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Pulled Flank Steak in Red Wine Sauce (Ropa Vieja o Carne Ripiada)

This tender pulled flank steak, traditionally known as Ropa Vieja, is a deeply savoury dish that brings the vibrant flavours of Cuba to your kitchen. By slow-cooking the beef in a rich base of red wine, tomato and aromatic spices, the meat becomes exceptionally succulent and easy to shred. This version uses a pressure cooker to achieve that melt-in-the-mouth texture in a fraction of the time, making it a wonderful option for a midweek meal that feels properly indulgent.

As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this dish focuses on lean protein and fresh vegetables like peppers and onions for a balanced, heart-healthy profile. The red wine sauce provides a sophisticated depth of flavour without the need for added sugars or heavy thickeners. Serve it simply with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad for a nutritious, homemade dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients for Pulled Flank Steak in Red Wine Sauce (Ropa Vieja o Carne Ripiada)

  • 725ml (710 ml) water

  • 675g (680 g) flank steak

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 tablespoon (18 g) plus 2 teaspoons (12 g) kosher salt

  • 80ml (80 ml) canola oil

  • 1 medium Spanish onion, cut into 1/2" (1.3-cm) julienne

  • 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1/2" (1.3-cm) julienne

  • 1 medium red pepper, cut into 1/2" (1.3-cm) julienne

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon (1 g) dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 240ml (245 g) tomato sauce

  • 240ml (235 ml) dry red wine

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white distilled vinegar

  • 1/8 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

How to make Pulled Flank Steak in Red Wine Sauce (Ropa Vieja o Carne Ripiada)

Add the water, flank steak and bay leaves to the cooker. Season with 1 tablespoon (18 g) of the salt. Close the lid.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Set to high pressure (15 PSI) and set the timer for 30 minutes. Cook over high heat until the pressure point is reached, then lower the heat to medium and

Electric Pressure Cooker: Use the meat setting and adjust the time to 35 minutes, or set to high pressure (10–12 PSI) and 35 minutes.

When done, remove the stovetop cooker from the heat and apply quick-release, or cancel cooking for the electric cooker and apply auto-release. When all the pressure is out, open the cooker and transfer the flank steak to a carving board, using tongs. Allow the beef to rest, about 5 minutes. Reserve 240ml (235 ml) of the beef stock for later use and discard the rest. Do not discard the bay leaves. When ready, manually shred the beef, pulling it apart into 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) wide pieces. Heat the oil in the stovetop pressure cooker over medium-high or use the sauté setting for the electric pressure cooker. Sauté all of the vegetables and garlic, adding the oregano and cumin, until the onion begins to soften and the mixture is fragrant, about 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, red wine and reserved beef stock. Add the shredded beef, vinegar and black pepper, and adjust for salt. Stir well, cancel cooking for the electric cooker and close the lid.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Set to high pressure (15 PSI) and cook over high heat for 10 minutes total.

Electric Pressure Cooker: Use the meat setting and adjust the time to 15 minutes, or set to high pressure (10–12 PSI) and 15 minutes.

When done, remove from the heat or turn off the cooker and allow the pressure to release on its own (natural-release), about 7 to 10 minutes. If the pressure is not fully released after 10 minutes, apply auto-release. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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