Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo Burger Fusion Meets Comfort Food

Pabellón Criollo is a dish that embodies the soul of Venezuela’s culinary heritage. It is widely regarded as the country’s national dish, representing a flavorful union of its diverse cultural and regional influences. Traditionally, Pabellón Criollo features four key components: shredded beef cooked with aromatic spices, black beans, fried sweet plantains, and a serving of white rice. Each ingredient tells a story—the beef symbolizes the strength of the Venezuelan people, the black beans reference Afro-Caribbean culinary roots, the plantains bring a touch of indigenous tropical sweetness, and the white rice offers balance to the dish. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and symbolism of this classic, the “Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo Burger” presents a creative modern twist that transforms a cultural staple into a handheld gastronomic experience.

This burger embodies fusion cuisine at its best, preserving the integrity of the original dish while adapting it for a global audience. By swapping the bed of rice for the universal appeal of a fluffy brioche bun, this recipe maintains the essential components of Pabellón Criollo while making it accessible to burger lovers worldwide. The shredded beef, slow-cooked and deeply flavorful, mirrors the essence of the traditional preparation. Similarly, the seasoned black beans add a creamy, protein-packed layer to the burger, while the fried plantain slices introduce a delightful contrast of sweetness with their caramelized edges. A sprinkling of cotija cheese—a crumbly and tangy addition—elevates the burger with a touch of indulgence, while diced red bell peppers bring freshness and a slight crunch.

The Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo Burger is more than just a delicious reimagination of tradition; it also symbolizes the adaptability of food as an art form. By bringing together the old and the new, the local and the global, this recipe allows for cultural storytelling in a format as universally loved as a burger. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, a casual dinner party, or a food truck festival, it has the versatility to introduce audiences to the depth of Venezuela’s culinary traditions.

This dish pays homage to Venezuela’s multiracial heritage by combining elements rooted in African, European, and Indigenous cuisines. It’s a reflective nod to the country’s history of cultural exchange. Beyond its symbolic value, the burger also introduces new options for customization. For instance, it’s easy to add heat with hot sauce or jalapeño slices or create a vegetarian version by substituting shredded jackfruit for the beef. Such flexibility ensures that this recipe appeals to a wide range of palates and diets.

Ultimately, the Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo Burger is a celebration of flavor, culture, and creativity. It transforms a cherished national dish into a globalized expression of comfort food, perfect for anyone looking to explore the richness of Venezuelan cuisine in an exciting and approachable way. Whether you’re a native Venezuelan seeking a nostalgic yet innovative meal or someone trying Venezuelan flavors for the first time, this burger is a guaranteed hit, making it a memorable and meaningful dish to prepare and enjoy.

Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo Burger

Elenor Craig

Experience the vibrant flavors of Venezuela with this Pabellón Criollo Burger, a modern twist on the classic national dish. Savory shredded beef, sweet plantains, and a burst of black beans combine in an unforgettable culinary fusion.

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Venezuelan

Servings 4 burgers

Calories 668 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 500 grams beef chuck preferably grass-fed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup black beans cooked and seasoned
• 2 medium ripe plantains sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper finely diced
• 1 cup cotija cheese crumbled
• 4 medium burger buns preferably brioche

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Incorporate the beef chuck and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and develops a rich color, approximately 25 minutes.
• Once the beef is cooked, remove from heat and shred finely using two forks.
• Fry the plantain slices in oil until golden brown on both sides.
• Assemble the burger: Lay a bed of cooked black beans on the bottom bun. Add a generous scoop of shredded beef, followed by a few slices of fried plantains.
• Sprinkle with diced red bell pepper and cotija cheese.
• Top with the other half of the bun, pressing gently to keep the components together.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices or a hot sauce drizzle before serving. If desired, replace beef with jackfruit for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Calories: 668kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 39gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 748mgPotassium: 1209mgFiber: 7gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 2121IUVitamin C: 59mgCalcium: 298mgIron: 6mg

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