Ecuadorian FoodBeef Seco with Naranjilla and Chicha de Jora, served with Yuca Cakes and Warm Corn Salad
An original Ecuadorian dish featuring beef slowly simmered in a fragrant sauce of naranjilla, chicha de jora, tomato, bell pepper, and cilantro. It is served with golden yuca-and-cheese cakes and a warm salad of corn, red onion, and avocado for a fresh traditional contrast.
Ingredients
- 800 g beef stew meat, cubed (preferably chuck or stewing cut)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 30 ml achiote oil (for browning)
- 180 g red onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 12 g garlic (minced)
- 120 g red bell pepper (small dice)
- 200 g ripe tomato (peeled and chopped)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 240 ml chicha de jora
- 180 ml naranjilla pulp (seedless)
- 500 ml beef broth (hot)
- 20 g cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 700 g yuca (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 120 g fresh cheese (crumbled)
- 50 g egg (beaten)
- 15 g butter
- 250 g corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 150 g avocado (diced)
- 30 ml lime juice
- 15 ml vegetable oil (for the cakes)
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
Instructions
- 1
1. Season the beef with 4 g (3/4 tsp) of the salt and the black pepper. Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat and add the achiote oil. Brown the beef in batches for 6 to 8 minutes until colored on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 2
2. In the same pot, add two-thirds of the red onion, the garlic, and the red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring. Add the tomato, cumin, and oregano, and cook 3 more minutes until a fragrant sofrito forms.
- 3
3. Return the beef to the pot. Add the chicha de jora, naranjilla pulp, and hot beef broth. Stir well and, once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce to low heat. Partially cover and cook for 70 to 75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- 4
4. Add half of the chopped cilantro and cook 5 minutes more. Taste and adjust with the remaining 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt if needed. Keep the seco warm over very low heat.
- 5
5. While the beef cooks, place the yuca in a pot with enough water and a pinch of salt. Boil until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well, remove the fibrous core if present, and mash until smooth while still hot.
- 6
6. Mix the hot yuca with the fresh cheese, beaten egg, butter, and 2 tablespoons of the remaining cilantro. Shape into 8 compact cakes with slightly damp hands.
- 7
7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Brown the yuca cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until firm and golden. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, place them on a greased tray and bake at 400°F / 200°C for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- 8
8. For the warm salad, cook the corn in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes if fresh, or 2 minutes if frozen. Drain and toss with the remaining red onion, avocado, lime juice, and the remaining cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 9
9. Serve the beef seco piping hot with plenty of sauce, alongside two yuca cakes per serving and a generous spoonful of warm corn and avocado salad.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, let the seasoned beef rest for 20 minutes before browning. Naranjilla brings signature acidity; if the pulp is very tart, balance it with 1 teaspoon of panela without making the sauce sweet.
Substitutions
You can replace chicha de jora with a mild lager or extra beef broth. Fresh cheese can be swapped for low-moisture mozzarella or farmer cheese. If naranjilla is unavailable, use a mix of mild passion fruit and a little lime, though the flavor profile will change.
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
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