Ropa Vieja Braised Beef

Ropa Vieja or Braised Beef

2 lbs of Brisket
1/4 cup of Soy Sauce
5 Garlic cloves mashed
2 Limes juiced
2 Tbs Sazon
3 Bay leaves
1 Tbs Cumin
2 Tbs Oregano
1 Tbs Adobo
1/2 Tbs Black Pepper
4 Tbs Olive Oil or Grape Seed Oil
Water - cover meat

Sauce
1 White Onion
1 Green pepper
1 Red Pepper
3 Tbs tomato paste
1/2 Cup tomato sauce
1/4 Cilantro
15 Spanish Olives, halved
3 Tbs Red wine
1/2 Tsp Red wine vinegar
1 Tsp Brown Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut brisket into large chunks and mash garlic with a pinch of salt to release juice. Set aside. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, season brisket with mashed garlic, oregano, cumin, sazon, salt, pepper, sour oranges, and soy sauce. Mix everything until it’s well combined and marinate for at least two hour or overnight in the fridge. 
3. Heat dutch oven and add oil when hot. Brown brisket in batches until all sides have browned. This will help both seal in and build flavor.
4. Once you’ve browned all of the brisket, add them back into the pot along with about 4 cups of water. You want to add enough water so that the meat is covered completely. After you add the water, be sure to stir with a wooden spoon or spatula. Scrape any bits that may be stuck at the bottom of the pot as this is full of flavor. Afterwards, add 1-2 bay leaves. 
5. Cook for one hour and check for tenderness. At this point, you will have to find your preferred texture, size, etc. Do NOT discard liquid. Set aside. 
6. I prefer to chop the brisket at this point. Some will prefer to shred. So you can figure out which way you like best. Set aside in a bowl.
7. Going back to the Instant Pot, set on saute mode again. Once broth begins to simmer, add tomato sauce and tomato paste, dry white wine, brown sugar, and cilantro. Stir until well combined. After about 5 minutes, add shredded brisket and mix. Adjust seasoning as needed. 
8. Once sauce and brisket have begun to simmer and seasonings are to your liking, add sliced onions, peppers, garlic, olives and red wine vinegar. Stir and remove from heat. Let Ropa Vieja sit for a few minutes before serving. Note that this dish will taste better the longer it sits as flavors will deepen.