Arepa Pabellón

Arepa Pabellón

Arepa Pabellón is a vibrant Venezuelan dish featuring grilled corn arepas filled with shredded meat, black beans, ripe plantains, and fresh tomato. This recipe brings together hearty, sweet, and savory flavors in a satisfying hand-held meal.

Beef

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

2

Arepa Pabellón is a delightful twist on Venezuela's iconic Pabellón Criollo, a dish traditionally composed of shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and rice. By stuffing these classic flavors into a warm, grilled arepa pocket filled with melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe creates a portable and playful meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, seasoned shredded meat and sweet fried ripe plantains perfectly balances the richness of the beans and cheese. This recipe honors the cultural heritage of Venezuelan cuisine, showcasing the care given to each ingredient and the harmonious layering of textures and tastes. The addition of fresh diced tomato brings brightness and acidity to the dish, while a side of pico de gallo or guacamole adds an extra burst of flavor. Pair these stuffed arepas with a fresh salad or a light soup for a complete and satisfying meal. They're excellent served at casual gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you're craving a comforting bite infused with traditional Latin American flair.

Ingredients

  • 2 Corn Arepa Filled With Mozarella Cheese
  • 1 Fried Ripe Bananas
  • 1 can Black Beans
  • 1 Pico De Gallo Sauce
  • 2 kg Shredded Meat
  • 1 chopped Tomato
  • Pinch Salt
  • Pinch Pepper

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the shredded meat with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook it thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until it is tender and flavorful. Meanwhile, warm the canned black beans in a separate pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Next, prepare the ripe plantains by frying or grilling them according to the package instructions. Aim for a golden-brown exterior that highlights their natural sweetness without becoming mushy. While these ingredients cook, finely dice the tomato and set it aside; this will add a refreshing contrast to the dish. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan, and lightly grill each corn arepa stuffed with mozzarella cheese. Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, providing a slight crispness to the outside while keeping the inside soft and meltingly cheesy. Carefully slice the arepa horizontally along the edge, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Gently fill this space with the warm fried plantains, heated black beans, seasoned shredded meat, and the chopped tomato. Serve the assembled arepas immediately accompanied by a spoonful of pico de gallo or guacamole for dipping. For best results, enjoy the arepas while warm to fully appreciate the delightful combination of textures and flavors. Tip: To make the filling easier to manage, ensure the meat and beans are hot but not overly saucy, and allow the fried plantains to drain on paper towels to prevent excess oil.

Quick Info

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2