Sabana De Res Recipe

Sabana de Res is a classic Colombian dish that’s loved for its tender, flavorful meat, and rich, hearty sauce. The dish translates to “beef savanna,” and it’s a traditional meal that’s often served at special occasions and family gatherings. In this blog post, share with you a sabana de res recipe to try at home.

Sabana de Res is a beef dish that’s typically made with flank steak or skirt steak. The meat is cooked low and slow until it’s tender and flavorful, then it’s smothered in a savory tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with rice, potatoes, or other starchy sides to soak up the delicious sauce.

Sabana de Res is believed to have originated in the plains regions of Colombia, where cattle ranching is a common practice. The dish was originally made with tough cuts of meat that were slow-cooked to tenderize them, and it was often served as a hearty meal for farm workers and ranch hands. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more flavorful ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and it became a beloved dish across the country.

Ingredients To Make Sabana De Res

For Sauce

• 2 medium Tomatoes (Sliced)
• 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1 piece Pasilla Chili
• ¼ medium Onion (sliced)
• 1 piece Guajillo Chili
• 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 cup Water

For Steaks

• 2 Thin Beef Steak
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1 pinch Salt

For Assemble

• ½ cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Cooked Rice
• ½ Tomato (Sliced)
• ½ medium Onion (Sliced)
• ½ cup Chihuahua Cheese
• ½ medium Avocado (Sliced)

Step By Step Instructions To Make Sabana De Res

Step 1

To begin, make the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil, garlic, pasilla chilies, onions, and guajillo chilies. Lightly brown all the ingredients in a frying pan. 

Step 2

Add a pinch of salt and one cup of water after adding the tomatoes and cooking for two minutes. Stir occasionally while simmering on low heat for five minutes.

Step 3

Add garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt to the steaks and season them. During the preparation stage, place them onto a preheated skillet and cook over medium heat while salting them. 

Step 4

Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a pan over medium heat. Make sure each side of the steak is golden brown.

Step 5

Prepare the Sabana De Res by layering cream cheese on the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Top with half of the cooked rice, tomato slices, onion slices, and chihuahua cheese. 

Step 6

Next, top the rice with the fried steaks, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and cheese, and finish with the remaining rice.

Step 7

Place the in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with avocado sliced on top and chihuahua cheese sprinkled on top.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right cut of meat: Flank steak or skirt steak work best for this recipe because they’re flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow.
• Pat the meat dry: Before searing the meat, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a nice crust forms on the outside and prevents the meat from steaming in its own juices.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing the meat, make sure to leave enough space between each piece so they can brown properly. Overcrowding the pan will cause the meat to steam instead of sear.
• Use low heat for cooking: After adding the meat back to the pot with the sauce, make sure to keep the heat low and simmer gently. This helps the meat become tender and allows the flavors of the sauce to develop.
• Blend the sauce: For a smooth and silky sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Let the meat rest before slicing: After the meat is done cooking, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Accompaniments:

Sabana de Res is traditionally served with white rice or boiled potatoes. These starchy sides help soak up the delicious sauce and complement the beefy flavor of the meat.

Recommended Beverage Pairings:

Sabana de Res pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. If you prefer beer, try a dark ale or stout to complement the richness of the dish.

Recipe Variations

Sabana de Res con Papas:

Instead of serving with rice, Sabana de Res can be served with boiled or roasted potatoes. Simply cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot with the meat and sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Sabana de Res con Arroz:

For a twist on the traditional recipe, Sabana de Res can be served with yellow rice. To make the rice, add turmeric and saffron to the cooking water and stir in some chopped scallions or parsley for extra flavor.

Sabana de Res en Salsa de Tomate:

If you prefer a tomato-based sauce, Sabana de Res can be made with a simple tomato sauce instead of the beef broth-based sauce. Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed and skip the Worcestershire sauce.

In Closing

We hope you enjoyed this recipe and learned a little bit about the history and tradition behind Sabana de Res. Sabana de Res is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, slow-cooked beef and rich, flavorful sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.

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