Shredded beef facts for kids

Shredded beef is a type of beef that has been pulled apart into thin strands. It's a popular way to prepare beef for many different meals around the world! Chefs often use cuts like beef brisket or chuck roast to make shredded beef because these cuts become very tender when cooked slowly. Sometimes, even a Pot roast can be shredded.

Shredded beef

Cuban ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in a tomato sauce base), black beans, yellow rice, plantains and fried yuca served with a beer

Japanese curry with shredded beef

Popular Shredded Beef Dishes

Shredded beef is used in many tasty dishes. Here are some examples from different cuisines:

Mexican and Latin American Favorites

• Burritos: These are large tortillas wrapped around fillings. Shredded beef is a common and delicious filling for burritos.
• Carne asada: While often grilled, sometimes this beef is shredded and used in other dishes.
• Enchiladas: These are corn tortillas rolled around a filling and covered with a sauce. Shredded beef enchiladas are very popular.
• Gorditas: These are thick corn tortillas that are split open and filled. Shredded beef is one of the many fillings you can find in a gordita.
• Machacado con huevo: This is a breakfast dish from Mexico. It mixes shredded, dried beef with scrambled eggs.
• Mission burrito: A special type of burrito that can be made with slow-cooked and shredded beef.
• Picadillo: In Mexico, this dish is often made with shredded beef. It's a savory mix of meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Quesadillas: These are tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients, then folded and cooked. Shredded beef makes a great addition to a quesadilla.
• Ropa vieja: This dish means "old clothes" in Spanish! It started in the Canary Islands of Spain. It's usually shredded flank or skirt steak cooked in a tomato sauce. It's very popular in places like Cuba.
• Salpicon: This is a type of salad that includes shredded beef. It's a common dish in Mexico.
• Tacos: These are folded or rolled tortillas filled with various ingredients. Shredded beef tacos are a classic choice.
• Tinga (dish): A Mexican dish often made with shredded beef or chicken in a spicy sauce.

South American Delights

• Pabellón criollo: This is considered the national dish of Venezuela. It's a hearty stew with shredded beef, served with rice and black beans.

Korean Cuisine Specialties

• Jang-jorim: This is a Korean side dish made with shredded beef.
• Tangpyeong-chae: A colorful Korean dish that mixes shredded beef with different vegetables and a special jelly called nokdumuk. It was once served in the Korean royal court.
• Yukgaejang: A spicy Korean soup made with shredded beef, scallions, and other ingredients. It's known for being very comforting and healthy.
• Yukhoe: This dish used to be made with shredded beef marinated in spices like garlic, honey, and sesame. It's served with a dipping sauce.

Other Shredded Beef Meals

• Sandwiches: Shredded beef can be piled high in a bun with different toppings to make a delicious sandwich.

Images for kids

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  Unsauced shredded beef atop gnocchi

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  Pabellón criollo (below right), with beans, fried plantain and rice

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  Picadillo served with rice

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  Yukgaejang

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  Shredded beef in a bun with lettuce and mayonnaise