Res Guisada – A Traditional Latin American Dish

by Julia
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May 4, 2023

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The Res Guisada recipe is a symphony of flavors, blending tender beef with a rich, savory sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is a masterpiece of Mexican cuisine, combining traditional spices and fresh ingredients to create a culinary experience like no other. Each bite is a journey through layers of complexity, with the beef melting in your mouth and the sauce delivering a satisfying kick of flavor. Res Guisada is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and tradition, bringing people together with its irresistible aroma and taste.

The Dominican Republic’s national lunch food, La Bandera Dominicana, includes the soft beef dish Res Guisada (Dominican Braised Beef).

The preparation time for this recipe is only ten minutes, and the total cooking time is one hour.

Hence, if you want to create a hearty yet comforting dish for lunch, try this recipe.

Below, we have super simple steps for you to follow to help you recreate this flavorsome dish, which highlights how delicious beef can be.

What Is Res Guisada?

Res Guisada is a traditional Latin American dish often hailed from Dominican and Puerto Rican cuisines. It features beef, typically stewed until tender, in a rich sauce made from tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices.

This hearty stew is cherished for its deep flavors and comforting essence, usually served alongside rice, beans, or tortillas. It’s not just a meal but a celebration of culture and generations of culinary tradition.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto Swap traditional tomatoes for low-carb options like cherry tomatoes and increase the fat content by incorporating more oil or using fatty cuts of beef.
Paleo Replace vegetable oil with coconut or avocado oil. Ensure all other ingredients, especially tomato sauce, are free from additives and sugars.
Gluten-Free Res Guisada is gluten-free; just be cautious about cross-contamination and any additives in store-bought tomato sauce.
Whole30 Use compliant tomato sauce without sugars or additives, and skip any non-compliant ingredients.
Vegetarian/Vegan Replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. For protein, tofu or tempeh works wonders. Vegan-friendly oils can replace animal fats.

Recipe Directions

Season Beef: Combine beef with salt, pepper, oregano, and lime juice. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Cook Beef: Heat oil, brown beef, add water, reduce heat, and simmer until tender.
Add Vegetables: Mix in onion, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until soft.
Sauce Formation: Blend in tomato sauce and water; let reduce.
Final Touch: Add parsley and seasoning. Serve hot.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Poultry Version: Replace beef with chicken thighs for a lighter variant.
Seafood Twist: Use fish or shrimp for a coastal take.

Add-Ons

Root Vegetables: Toss in diced potatoes or yucca for added texture.
Legumes: Incorporate beans or chickpeas for protein variety.
Spice Kick: Adding chili powder or chopped jalapeños can add heat.
Wine: A splash of red wine deepens flavor during sauce reduction.

Toppings

Cheese: A sprinkle of queso fresco or cotija elevates the dish.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or chives offer color and zest.
Crunch: Tortilla strips or toasted bread crumbs can add a crunchy contrast.
Citrus Zing: Lime wedges on the side allow for adjustable tanginess.

Can I Make Res Guisada In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

The Slow Cooker and Instant Pot are excellent tools for making Res Guisada.

Slow Cooker

Its low-and-slow method is ideal.
After browning the beef in a separate pan, transfer it to the slow cooker, add other ingredients, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low.
The extended cooking time ensures a richly flavored, melt-in-the-mouth stew.

Instant Pot

This pressure cooker significantly speeds up the process.
Use the “Sauté” function to brown the beef and sauté vegetables.
Add other ingredients, seal, and set to “Meat/Stew” or “Pressure Cook” mode.
Cook for 35-45 minutes, followed by a natural release. It offers a quicker yet flavorful result.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought broth and homemade broth can be used in Res Guisada, depending on your preference, convenience, and the desired outcome:

Store-Bought Broth

Convenience: It’s a quick solution if you need more time.
Consistency: Brands offer a uniform taste, so results are predictable.
Considerations: Opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt content. Ensure there are no additives or preservatives for a cleaner flavor.

Homemade Broth

Flavor Depth: Homemade allows you to develop a richer, deeper flavor tailored to your liking.
Control: You decide what goes in, ensuring no additives or excessive salt.
Effort: It requires more time and preparation.

How To Serve?

Warm Plates: Serve on pre-warmed plates to keep the stew hot for longer.
Accompaniments: Offer traditional sides like rice or warm tortillas. They not only complement the flavors but also absorb the rich sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness.
Citrus Zing: A slice of lime on the side lets diners add a squeeze for a bright citrus kick.
Texture Contrast: Serve with sliced avocado or crumbled queso fresco for a creamy contrast.
Pairing: Complement the hearty stew with a light, crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

Perfect Side Dishes

Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements Res Guisada perfectly, Mexican rice is flavorful and satisfying. It’s made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, offering a delicious contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.
Refried Beans: Another traditional Mexican side dish, refried beans add creaminess and depth to your meal. Their earthy flavor and smooth texture pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of Res Guisada.
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: This refreshing side dish provides a burst of freshness to balance the richness of Res Guisada. The combination of crunchy cabbage, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro is a delightful accompaniment.
Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad with tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice is a light and refreshing side that complements the hearty flavors of Res Guisada.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is a popular Mexican street food that pairs wonderfully with Res Guisada. The sweet and savory flavors add a delicious contrast to the stew.

Storage And Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover Res Guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Res Guisada freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Res Guisada is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Reheating: To reheat Res Guisada, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through heating.

Tips

Sear the Beef: Searing the beef before braising adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Aromatics: Use plenty of onions, garlic, and bell peppers to build a flavorful base for the stew.
Spices: Toasting spices like cumin and Mexican oregano before adding them to the stew can enhance their flavors.
Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the stew over low heat for a long time to allow the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender.
Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew towards the end of cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice if needed.