Frita Cubana

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Quick Bite

A traditional Cuban-style hamburger originating from 1930s Havana street food and perfected in Miami. It features a seasoned ground beef, pork, or chorizo-style patty cooked on a griddle, then topped with crunchy shoestring potatoes, raw onions, and a sweet-and-spicy red sauce, all served on a soft Cuban roll.

History

The frita Cubana, often called the Cuban hamburger, has its roots in Cuba, where it emerged in the early 20th century as a flavorful street food.

Vendors in cities like Havana began serving seasoned ground beef patties infused with spices such as garlic, paprika, and cumin, giving the frita its distinctive taste. Unlike a typical American burger, the frita was topped with crispy shoestring potatoes and often dressed with onions and a tangy tomato-based sauce, all served on a soft Cuban roll.

The dish made its way to the United States through Cuban immigrants, particularly during the mid-20th century. Many settled in Miami, where the frita quickly became a staple of local food culture. Small cafés and street stands, especially the iconic El Rey de las Fritas, helped popularize the sandwich and preserve its traditional preparation.

Today, the frita Cubana is considered a signature dish of Cuban-American cuisine in South Florida. While some modern versions include cheese or variations on toppings, the essence remains the same: a bold, spiced burger with a satisfying crunch, reflecting the rich culinary heritage brought from Cuba to Florida.

Fun Facts

• The frita Cubana is often called the Cuban hamburger.
• Crunchy shoestring potatoes, or papitas, are the signature topping.
• Fritas are typically served on soft Cuban rolls, which are lighter than standard burger buns.
• A slightly spicy, ketchup-based sauce gives the frita its signature tangy kick.
• The sandwich is a staple of South Florida’s Cuban-American food identity.

Where to Try

El Rey De Las Fritas Miami, Florida

Fritas Cuban Burgers Key West, Florida

Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina Miami, Florida

Recipe

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Frita Cubana Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Cuban-American Burger

Ingredients

For the patties

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• 1–2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Dash of hot sauce, optional

For assembly

• 4 soft Cuban rolls, or brioche buns
• 1 cup shoestring potatoes, store-bought or freshly fried
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Make the frita sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, water, paprika, cumin, garlic, and hot sauce if using.
2. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Set aside.
4. Prepare the patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Form into thin, flat patties slightly wider than your buns, since they will shrink as they cook.
6. Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a little oil.
7. Cook patties for about 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
8. Toast the bread: Lightly toast the Cuban rolls on the skillet until warm and slightly crisp.
9. Assemble the frita: Spread frita sauce on the bottom bun.
10. Add the patty.
11. Top with sliced onions.
12. Pile on a generous handful of crispy shoestring potatoes.
13. Add a little more sauce if desired, then place the top bun.
14. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, preferably with napkins, because it can get messy in the best way.

Serving note: For an extra-traditional frita feel, keep the patties thin, use plenty of papitas, and let the sweet-spicy red sauce soak slightly into the soft Cuban roll.

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