Arepa pelua
Arepa pelua from Venezuela.
Cook and rest are read from the method. Prep is estimated when the listing left it out. Optional overnight waits and leftover storage are not counted.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 2 hr 9 min
- Rest
- 5 min
- Total
- 2 hr 24 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price
About
Arepa pelua is listed as beef from Venezuela. The steps below follow the imported method, not an editorial rewrite. Times shown were read from those steps.
What you'll need
12 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Beef500 g
- Garlic2 clove
- Cumin4.9 ml
- Oregano4.9 ml
- Paprika4.9 ml
- Beef stock1 l
- Water591 ml
- Saltto taste
- Melting cheese200 g
- Olive oilto taste
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Cook the meat: Place the flank steak in a pot with broth or water and salt. Cook over low heat for about 2 hours, until tender and easy to shred.
120 min
Step 2
Shred the meat: Once cooked, drain and shred the meat using two forks. Prepare the vegetables: Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a little oil.
Step 3
Add cumin, oregano, paprika, and salt. Stir in the meat and cook for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.
3 min
Step 4
Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the cornmeal with warm water and salt until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
5 min
Step 5
Form the arepas: Divide the dough into 6 portions, shape into balls, and flatten into thick discs. Cook: Cook the arepas on a griddle or skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
3 min
Step 6
You can then bake them for a few minutes if you prefer them crispier. Fill: Slice the arepas open on one side, fill with the hot shredded beef, and top with grated cheese.
3 min
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 528 kcal
- Protein
- 47.8 g
- Carbs
- 11.3 g
- Fat
- 31.1 g
- Saturated fat
- 14.4 g
- Fibre
- 1.9 g
- Sugar
- 4.2 g
- Sodium
- 1849 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Milk
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 10 November.
Substitutions
beef → tofu
Marinated tofu or mushrooms can take the savoury role. Label the plate as a vegetarian adaptation.
onion → shallot
Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have.
garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) → garlic powder or a pinch of onion
1 clove ≈ ¼ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Inspired by the original
Provenance: Imported. Not developed or tested in our kitchen, so quantities and timings can be approximate. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Arepa pelua take?
2 hr 24 min all in — 10 min prep, 2 hr 9 min cook, 5 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Nut-free.
6 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Oven, Frying pan, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at to taste.
What can I use instead?
beef → tofu. Marinated tofu or mushrooms can take the savoury role. Label the plate as a vegetarian adaptation. onion → shallot. Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have. garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) → garlic powder or a pinch of onion. 1 clove ≈ ¼ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.