16 Popular Puerto Rican Recipes – Crispy fried plantains, tender slow-roasted pork, tangy sauces, and refreshing co*cktails. From savory side dishes to tasty treats and everything in between, Puerto Rican cuisine is a celebration of flavors and textures. The colorful, seasoned dishes bring a spicy touch to any meal!
Often called theHeart and Soul of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is renowned for its rich history and culture, pristine beaches… and exceptional cuisine! Its culture reflects a distinctive blend of Taino, Arawak, Spanish, and African influences. And the vibrancy of Puerto Rico truly comes alive in its traditional dishes!
From tropical fruit to seafood to olive oil, the fusion of flavors passed from generation to generation resulted in the exotic blend of Puerto Rican recipes. So fill your kitchen with the aroma of herbs and spices that make this beautiful island nation unique!
Content…
FAQs
The Recipe Roundup
Main Dishes
1. Pernil
2. One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice
3. Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwich
4. Picadillo
5. Pastelon
6. Sancocho
Side Dishes
7. Arroz con Gandules
8. Puerto Rican Style Beans
9. Mofongo
Sauces and Snacks
10. Sofrito
11. Pasteles
12. Tostones
13. Pionono
14. Alcapurrias
Beverages
15. Coquito
16. Pina Colada
Conclusion
FAQs
What are Puerto Rico’s culinary influences?
Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique mix of African, Taino, Spanish, and Latin American cuisines. This unique blend of indigenous and foreign influences makes up what Puerto Ricans refer to as Creole.
What are some common ingredients in Puerto Rican dishes?
Coconut, ground beef, chicken, plantains, avocados, tomato sauce, mangoes, pineapples, gandules, and yuca are staples in Puerto Rico. Also, olive oil, garlic, oregano, lime juice, and crushed peppers are used to flavor everything from sauces to side dishes.
Banana vs. Plantain
Bananas and plantains are considered cousins. In fact, bananas and plantains look very similar. Plantains are the larger of the two and have harder skin. And while bananas are usually eaten raw, plantains are typically boiled, baked, or fried before eating.
The Puerto Rican Recipe Roundup
Main Dishes
1. Pernil
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside – this delectable pork dish is alive with flavors! It’s marinated in herbs and spices and slow-roasted in the oven, so it’s perfectly tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. And it’s elegant enough to take center stage at a festive meal but easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner at home.
Pernil
Puerto RicanRoast Pork is fork-tender, fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder or leg marinated in savory herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection. Underneath its irresistible, crispy, crunchy skin is tender, juicy meat oozing with mouthwatering deliciousness. Such a perfect addition to your holiday spread!
Check out this recipe
2. One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice
Take your typical chicken dinner to the next level with this tasty dish! The flavors of the chicken and rice meld together, giving your taste buds a world of excitement. Sofrito sauce, spices, peas, and olives combine in a burst of flavors to make this an unforgettable addition to any weeknight meal.
One Pot Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice
One Pot Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice : An incredible chicken meal that would excite your taste buds. Flavored with sofrito sauce, spices, peas and olives. So easy to make and comes together quickly.
Check out this recipe
3. Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwich
Simple doesn’t have to be boring! Juicy, flavorful meat seasoned with a unique Sazon seasoning and spicy mayo, surrounded by crispy, savory, and sweet plantains—this sandwich is all kinds of delicious. You can also serve it with homemade pineapple juice for a tropical delight!
Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwiches
Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwichare Puerto Rican plantain and steak sandwiches piled high with steak, spicy mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions between two fried and smashed plantains. A sure crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
4. Picadillo
Weeknights can be kind of crazy at times, wouldn’t you agree? I’m always on the lookout for quick but nutritious weeknight options, and this meal has saved me countless times. It’s similar to beef stew but elevated by the addition of olives and raisins. It works equally well as stuffing for bell peppers, tacos, or other dishes.
Picadillo
Puerto Rican Picadillo Recipe – fragrant, flavorful ground beef stew with olives and raisins. Makes an easy and no-fuss lazy weeknight meal or for parties served as stuffing for bell peppers, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and empanadas. Easy and very versatile dish ready in just 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
5. Pastelon
This recipe for Puerto Rican lasagna boasts a taste of the islands! Cheesy, sweet, savory, and with just a little kick, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner at home or for impressing guests. The layers of spiced beef and plantains create a dish as unique as it is flavorful.
Pastelon (Plantain Lasagna)
This Latin-style (Puerto Rican) plantain lasagna combines sweet and savory flavors made with spiced beef sandwiched between layers of plantains and topped with cheese and eggs. It's an absolutely incredible meal for special days or even just a regular weeknight dinner. 😉
6. Sancocho
Nothing beats a hearty stew on a cold winter day! Different kinds of meat, vegetables, and starches come together to make the perfect comfort food. Puerto Ricans traditionally make this recipe for holidays and special occasions, but I like to make it when fall is in full swing.
Sancocho Recipe
This hearty and absolutely delicious stew with meat, vegetables, and tubers is a soul-satisfying meal on its own. And it's perfect for this fall season!
Side Dishes
7. Arroz con Gandules
Sometimes coming up with side dish ideas is the most challenging part of meal planning. This rice dish will save the day! Exotic ingredients such as gandules (aka pigeon peas) and homemade sofrito turn this rice dish into an elegant and original side dish for a holiday meal or other special occasions.
Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con Gandules – a classic Puerto Rican savory rice dish cooked with meat, gandules (aka pigeon peas) and some olives then spiced up with a homemade sofrito for an extra delicious rice meal!
Check out this recipe
8. Puerto Rican Style Beans
You may not think of big, bold flavors when you think of bean dishes. But the fusion of flavors in these Puerto Rican Beans will make you think again! Not your typical bean dish, this hearty stew is infused with flavors of garlic, onion, bell pepper spice, and tomatoes. Serve it with Pernil or Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice for a meal that is anything but boring.
Puerto Rican Style Beans
Puerto Rican Style beans – A hearty red beans simmered in an aromatic sauce with big bold flavors. Quick, easy and simply delicious.
Check out this recipe
9. Mofongo
Who can resist fried plantains, garlic, and chicharrones? Impressive enough on their own, the result is monumental when stuffed with a succulent garlic shrimp sauce. Simple ingredients blend perfectly for some incredibly noteworthy flavors in this dish.
Mofongo Recipe
Mofongo Recipe – Fried, mashed green plantains infused with garlic and chicharrones (fried pork skin) assembled and stuffed with a succulent tomato, garlic, onion, shrimp sauce that will make your mouth water. What's not to love?
Check out this recipe
Sauces and Snacks
10. Sofrito
I’ve been making my own seasonings for years, and I’m proud to share my perfected sofrito sauce with you. This unique ingredient is the base for many recipes, taking dishes from good to out of this world. Feel free to adjust the recipe to create your personalized sofrito puree!
Sofrito Recipe
Sofrito Recipe – a versatile aromatic green puree made of bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic and onions. It makes a powerful base for dishes like this aromatic with a punch Sofrito Chicken Stew. A versatile homemade seasoning that is out-of-this-world!
Check out this recipe
11. Pasteles
Some of my favorite memories are the whole family gathering in the kitchen during the holidays, cooking, and eating the fruits of our labors. Dishes similar to this tender, flavorful meat stew encased in a traditional masa. The perfect fusion of flavors makes them so worth the quality family time to make them.
Puerto Rican Pasteles
Tender, savory, and complex Puerto Rican delicacy. Delicious masa filled with a savory meat stew cooked and then steamed in banana leaves is an ideal treat for the holidays or any time. Their versatility is impressive.
Makes about 10 pasteles
Check out this recipe
12. Tostones
Crispy outside and tender inside – the perfect texture combination! The versatile plantain becomes the star of the show thanks to a unique method of flattening the plantains and frying them twice. Pineapple guacamole adds a burst of flavor and helps create a dish that’s both visually appealing and remarkably tasty.
Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)
Tender, crispy Puerto Rican twice-fried plantains topped with spicy shrimp and mouthwatering pineapple guacamole are the perfect appetizer. Tasty ingredients come together to create an incredible explosion of flavor.
Makes 10-15 tostones
Check out this recipe
13. Pionono
Bring the tropics home with this celebrated dish! The sweet and savory combination of plantain and beef transports me to a beach in the Caribbean every time I make it. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or snack time, this versatile dish is a staple in my home.
Piononos
Pionono (Stuffed Fried Plantain) — savory plantain rolls stuffed with tasty beef filling – Picadillo. Truly a delectable sweet plantain and savory beef combo rolled into one!
Check out this recipe
14. Alcapurrias
Street food has taken the cooking world by storm, and alcapurrias are one of my favorites. You can find them in beach kiosks or on the street; they’re a popular on-the-go snack with the locals. They’re made with yuca, green bananas, or taro and stuffed with a delectable beef filling, making a tasty snack or appetizer. Yum!
Alcapurrias
This tasty traditional Puerto Rican snack. Grated yuca (and maybe some mashed green bananas) stuffed with picadillo (a tasty beef filling) come together for pure heaven. This empanada-like snack is perfect for entertaining!
Check out this recipe
Beverages
15. Coquito
Creamy and thick, this cozy drink is comfort in a glass! It’s like eggnog, but the coconut milk and spices give it a tropical kick. It’s the perfect drink for entertaining guests. Be warned, though, because one pitcher won’t be enough!
Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
A thick, creamy holiday drink with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, and warm spices. This incredible recipe is eggnog's sassy cousin with a tropical flair. Deliciously creamy, rich, and cozy!
Makes 3-4 cups
Check out this recipe
16. Pina Colada
When I think of pina coladas, I think of peaceful evenings on the beach, the sound of the waves, and the warm breeze on my face. But if you can’t jump on the next plane to Puerto Rico, this classic summer drink recipe will make you feel like you’re already there. Frothy, refreshing, and sweet, this is the perfect way to relax during your next staycation. If you’re in the mood for more tropical co*cktails, why not try a Mango Margarita or a Strawberry Daiquiri?
Pina Colada
A classic summer drink that will take you to the tropics in every sip. Made with fresh pineapples, cream of coconut, rum, and some ice. A wonderful refreshing and delicious summer co*cktail! Perfect for every celebration or romantic weekend date night.
Conclusion
Which of these Puerto Rican recipes do you want to experience firsthand? Will it be a savory main dish such as pernil or a cool, refreshing pina colada? Please let me know in the comments which one you tried this week!
