Arepa pelua
Arepa pelua from Venezuela. Times were inferred from the source steps.
Imported from TheMealDB. Times and card copy were filled in for this listing, not kitchen-tested.
0 people cooked this in the public kitchen yet. Kitchen-tested by I Want Some Food. Not a purchased rating.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 2 hr 3 min
- Total
- 2 hr 23 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 are the imported TheMealDB method, not an editorial rewrite. Times shown were read from those steps.
Ingredients
- Beef500 g
- Onion1
- Red Pepper1
- 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 minStep 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.
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 minStep 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 minStep 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.
Adapt this recipe
The canonical recipe stays intact. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are maths, not AI.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 24 August.
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
Editorial cultural notes have not been written for this imported dish.
Editorial history has not been written for this imported dish.
Inspired by
Provenance: Imported. Initial recipe data sourced from TheMealDB and adapted/reviewed by I Want Some Food. 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 — not a chatbot.
How long does Arepa pelua take?
2 hr 23 min all in — 15 min prep, 2 hr 3 min cook, 5 min rest. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
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.
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.

