
Honduran Beef in Coyol and Annatto Sauce with Golden Yuca and Cabbage Salad
An original Honduran-inspired dish featuring seared beef strips simmered in a smooth sauce of coyol palm fruit, tomato, garlic, and annatto, served with pan-golden yuca and a fresh cabbage, onion, and lime salad. It brings together traditional Honduran flavors in a comforting homemade plate.
Ingredients
- 700 g beef flank steak, sliced into strips (cut in strips finas)
- 45 ml lime juice (divided)
- 10 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 4 g black pepper (divided)
- 8 g ground annatto
- 18 g garlic (chopped, divided)
- 220 g white onion (en pluma, divided)
- 300 g ripe tomato (chopped, divided)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 180 g cooked coyol palm fruit, pitted (for the sauce)
- 360 ml beef broth
- 2 g ground cumin
- 800 g peeled cassava (en bastones gruesos)
- 1500 ml water (for cocer the yuca)
- 250 g green cabbage (finely grated)
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 15 ml white vinegar
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, the ground annatto, and half of the chopped garlic. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- 2
2. Place the coyol fruit, half of the tomato, 1/2 cup (about 75 g) of onion, the remaining garlic, beef broth, and cumin in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- 3
3. In a medium pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the cassava and 1 teaspoon salt, then cook for 20 to 25 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and remove the woody center fiber if needed.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until browned on the outside. Remove and set aside.
- 5
5. In the same skillet, add 1 more tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil. Add the remaining onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining tomato and cook for 4 minutes until softened.
- 6
6. Pour the coyol sauce into the skillet and let it come to a gentle simmer. Return the beef, reduce to medium-low heat, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened. Adjust with the remaining salt and black pepper.
- 7
7. To brown the cassava, heat the last tablespoon (15 ml) of oil in another skillet over medium heat. Cook the boiled cassava for 6 to 8 minutes, turning it, until golden on the edges.
- 8
8. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, cilantro, vinegar, the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Massage lightly with clean hands for 1 minute to slightly soften the salad.
- 9
9. Serve the hot beef in coyol sauce with the golden cassava and the fresh cabbage salad on the side. If you want to keep the dish warm before serving, you can place it covered in an oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
If fresh coyol is hard to find, use frozen or canned cooked coyol, well drained. Blending the sauce longer helps create a smoother, silkier texture.
Substitutions
You can substitute flank steak with beef round or sirloin for a more tender version. The cassava can be replaced with boiled and browned green plantain. Cilantro may be swapped for parsley if you prefer a milder flavor.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Honduran fish in roasted tomato and coconut recado with golden cassava
60 min

Honduran Braised Beef in Chipilín and Roasted Tomato Sauce with Tender Yuca
120 min

Honduran Pork Loin in Nance and Sweet Pepper Sauce with Creamy Red Bean Rice
75 min

Honduran Chicken in Toasted Corn and Loroco Sauce with Soft Yuca Cakes
65 min

Honduran Chicken in Nance-Achiote Sauce with Yuca Tostones
65 min

Honduran Chicken in Tender Squash and Sesame Sauce with Coconut Lime Rice
65 min