Hilachas, Guatemalan Shredded Beef Stew

Hilachas is a popular Guatemalan dish, similar to other stew dishes around the globe.

Knowing more about hilachas and how to cook it is a good idea if you’re interested in learning some delicious Central American recipes.

 Hilachas is a tasty, hot comfort food from Guatemala, famous in Guatemalan cuisine and all over Central America. It can consist of different things depending on the specific recipe, but ingredients like shredded beef and potatoes are always present in the dish. It’s mildly spicy and easy to make.

Curious about what hilachas is and how to make the traditional Guatemalan stew? Keep reading to find out more!

What Is Hilachas?

There are many great dishes across Latin America, but for now, let’s talk about hilachas!

Hilachas is a Guatemalan shredded beef stew dish. Ingredients other than shredded beef include vegetables like potatoes and carrots, garlic, and onions. It also contains peppers and a tomato tomatillo sauce. The typical hilachas recipe is mildly spicy, but certain variations are spicier like specific Mexican recipes.

The most common type of beef used for hilachas is flank steak because it’s easy to work with and creates a decent shredded beef effect, which is essential for the hilachas recipe.

This particular cut of beef comes from the cow’s chest.

Although hilachas can be enjoyed as the main dish, you can also have a traditional side dish to go with it.

Some popular Guatemalan side dishes include rice and fresh corn tortillas.

History of Hilachas

Hilachas originated in Guatemala and has been prevalent in the country and across Central America for generations.

For many years, it has been one of the most popular national dishes in the country but not quite as popular as the tamale. 

Households in Central America have been making hilachas for years because it’s easy and affordable to make.

The shredded beef stew has always been seen as a comfort food because many Guatemalans grow up eating it with their families. 

Hilachas Ingredients

Numerous hilachas recipes are available in various regions in Central America.

Be aware that other traditional Guatemalan recipes use different ingredients, so the ones you choose are a matter of personal preference.

Feel free to substitute certain vegetables for different ones and adjust seasoning if you wish.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a tasty hilachas dish:

• 2 lbs (approximately 0.9 kg) flank steak
• 4-5 potatoes peeled and cut up into cubes
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 chopped cilantro
• 3 tomatillos
• 5 tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 2 guajillo chilies
• 15 cups of water
• Cooking oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper
• thyme

How To Make Hilachas

Using the ingredients listed above, you can follow the recipe below: 

Boil the Meat

1. Place the flank steak in a pan with some cooking oil, thyme, and 2-3 garlic cloves.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Cover everything with water and bring it to a boil.
4. Turn the heat down and leave simmering for 30 minutes to an hour. Keep the broth from the beef because you’ll need it later.

Make the Sauce

1. Place the tomatoes and tomatillos in a separate pan. Add the chopped onion, cilantro and chilies, and red bell pepper.
2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
3. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the ingredients soften.
4. Check to see if the tomatoes are cooked. They should feel soft when they’re ready.
5. Place everything in a blender until smooth. 
6. Strain the sauce and put it into a pan and move to the next step.

Mix Everything

1. Shred the Meat. It’s best to shred the meat rather than simply chop it. Only do so after it’s had time to cool. You can shred the beef by cutting it into quarters and using your hands to pull it apart. If it’s cooked thoroughly, it should be easy to pull apart.
2. Add the shredded beef to the tomato sauce in the pan. Add the broth a little at a time to get the consistency you want.
3. Simmer for a couple of 10-20 minutes. Mix the ingredients occasionally to ensure the meat is coated with tomato sauce.
4. Add the potatoes. Rather than boiling the potatoes in a separate large pot, boil them with everything else so they can develop the flavors. Ensure they’re covered by the broth and don’t be afraid to add more broth or water if the potatoes are peeping through. Simmer until soft.
5. Serve hot! This recipe can make 3-4 servings.

Make a Side to Go with the Hilachas

Although the traditional Guatemalan stew is nice on its own, it’s even better with a side.

The most popular sides that people make with hilachas are plain white rice and fresh corn tortillas, which is no surprise considering they are some of the most popular foods in Guatemala.

If you can’t decide which one to make, try both!

Make white rice as you usually would. The rice-to-water ratio should be 1:2.

Below is a basic Hilachas recipe.

1. Start boiling water and salt in a pan or kettle if available.
2. In another pan, add oil on medium heat.
3. Once the oil warms, add the rice and stir for a few minutes.
4. Add boiling water to the rice.
5. Cover and simmer for 15-25 minutes.

Although you don’t have to sauté the rice with oil, it’s worth doing because it helps separate the grains, allowing for a more even cooking.

Serve the Guatemalan shredded beef stew hot with sides for the tastiest experience.

What Beef Is Best for Hilachas?

Flank steak is one of the best kinds of beef for Guatemalan hilachas because it’s flavorful and easy to shred once appropriately cooked.

Lean meats are always best for this recipe, and another example of lean meat suitable for hilachas is skirt steak, which is also highly flavorful and easy to shred. 

Is Hilachas Healthy?

The traditional dish is relatively healthy because the beef used is low in fat.

Additionally, the other ingredients are nutritious, as most of them are vegetables.

The onions, bell peppers, and potatoes are all full of vital nutrients, and you can add other healthy options if you wish.

Guatemalan hilachas is a perfect shredded beef stew recipe if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy option. 

Hilachas vs. Ropa Vieja

Hilachas and ropa vieja are both dishes that feature shredded beef as the main ingredient, but there are some differences between the two:

Origin: Hilachas is a traditional Guatemalan dish, while ropa vieja is a Cuban dish that has spread to other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sauce: Hilachas is typically cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with achiote and other spices. Ropa vieja, on the other hand, is cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is usually more heavily seasoned with spices such as cumin and oregano.

Vegetables: Hilachas often includes vegetables such as onions and bell peppers, which are cooked with the beef and add flavor and texture to the dish. Ropa vieja sometimes includes similar vegetables, but it can also be made without them.

Serving: Hilachas is typically served with rice and refried beans, while the Cuban dish is often served with black beans and rice.

Overall, while both hilachas and ropa vieja are delicious latin dishes that feature shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce, they have some differences in their preparation, flavor and presentation that make them unique.

Storing Leftover Hilachas de Guatemala

To store leftover hilachas, follow these simple steps:

Allow the hilachas to cool down to room temperature before storing them..

Place the hilachas in an airtight food container.

Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating the hilachas, make sure to heat them thoroughly

If you have a large batch of leftover hilachas that you don’t think you’ll be able to eat within the next 3-4 day period, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

To do this, transfer the hilachas to an airtight container or freezer bag, label it with the date, and place it in the freezer.

By following these steps, you can store and enjoy your leftover hilachas safely and deliciously!

Final Guatemalan Hilachas Thoughts

If you want to make some authentic Guatemalan dishes, hilachas is one of the best and easiest to cook. It’s cheap, tasty, and perfect for the entire family. 

Feel free to modify the recipe in this article, depending on the availability of ingredients and whatever suits your nutritional needs.

Make sure to use flank or skirt steak for your hilachas because they are highly flavorful and easy to shred once cooked. Serve it with rice or fresh tortillas (or both!) for the best experience.

Sources

• The Spruce Eats: What Is Flank Steak?
• Frommer’s: Food & Drink in Guatemala
• Cooks Dream: How and Why to Fry Rice Before Boiling
• Amigo Foods: The National Dishes of Latin America

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