40 Best Puerto Rican Recipes (Flavorful & Unique)
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure to the enchanting culinary world of Puerto Rican recipes.
Imagine sunny beaches, rhythmic music and a melting pot of vibrant cultures, all infused into the island’s delightful cuisine!
From the succulent roast chicken to the classic and comforting rice and beans, these dishes have a diversity to dazzle you!
Did you know?
Puerto Rican recipes feature an abundance of tropical ingredients that add a burst of vibrant flavors – plantains, coconuts and avocados!
So, enjoy food that brings the island’s lush surroundings to every dish at your table!
Let’s Dive!
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans
Known as Arroz Con Habichuelas by the locals, this rice and beans dish is a delicious and budget-friendly staple in Puerto Rico.
It features fluffy rice and savory beans that add a hearty and comforting element to the dish to make it a fulfilling meal.
The best part?
This simple dish captures the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine as it features the classic safrito, vibrant peppers, flavorful garlic and more.
Enjoy it as a main course meal or as a side with a hearty meat dish.
Puerto Rican Tostones
Puerto Rican tostones are a mouthwatering treat that will take your taste buds on a savory adventure.
The star ingredient for this is green plantains that are fried until golden and crispy.
But the dish is not done yet…
These are transferred to a chopping board, smashed, dipped in cold water and fried again!
The result?
A delightful combination of perfectly crispy exterior and soft, starchy interior.
So, head to the recipe and learn to create this classic Puerto Rican appetizer with just 4 ingredients!
Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas
Learn to create a beautiful Puerto Rican meal with this classic recipe.
Known as Arroz con Gandules, it’s a beloved Puerto Rican dish that combines fluffy rice with tender pigeon peas.
Here is what makes it really special…
Sofrito – a fragrant blend of onions, garlic, peppers and herbs – infuses the dish with a rich an aromatic taste!
Learn to create this lovely and comforting meal in just 30 minutes with this recipe!
Pasteles De Masa
Unleash the master chef inside you and learn to create this traditional Puerto Rican masterpiece!
A treat for festive occasions and holdays, pasteles de masa are similar to tamales, but with a unique Puerto Rican twist!
Here are the magical ingredients…
The masa, or dough, is made from a mixture of grated green bananas, plantains, taro root (yautía), and other starchy vegetables like pumpkin.
And there is more…
This dough is then seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and annatto oil, which gives it a vibrant yellow color.
Then comes the filling…
Seasoned pork cooked with flavorful ingredients. You may also switch with other types of meat or veggies.
The final touch?
The masa and filling are wrapped in a banana leaf and boiled or steamed until cooked through.
It’s a unique dish worth giving a try!
Puerto Rican Chicken Stew
The famous Asopao de Pollo is a comforting and flavorful Puerto Rican chicken stew that’s hearty, comforting and simply delicious!
Here are the star ingredients of the dish…
Tender chicken pieces, fluffy rice, vegetables, and a savory broth!
The chicken is cooked until it’s juicy and flavorful, and then combined with rice, onions, peppers, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices.
The result?
A vibrant and flavorful concoction that serves as a lovely family meal!
Mallorcas – Puerto Rican Breakfast Sweet Rolls
Mallorcas are fluffy and buttery treats typically enjoyed in the morning as a special indulgence!
The rolls are soft with a slightly flaky exterior that make them stand out from your everyday buns bought from the bakery!
And here is some extra deliciousness…
A generous dusting of powdered sugar on top makes them extra sweet and indulgent!
The best part?
You can create different variations using delicious fillings – meat, cheese or guava paste!
Puerto Rican Chicken Soup
Puerto Rican chicken soup is an amazingly flavorful, rich and comforting treat.
Here is what makes it stand out from any other kind of chicken soup…
The broth is cooked using whole chicken pieces and flavored with lots of Latin spices for a truly pure Puerto Rican flavor!
And that’s not all…
It also features chunky veggies like carrots and corn along with noodles or macaroni that add a more satisfying element.
Traditional Plantain Mofongo
Get ready for an easy but classic Puerto Rican delight made with mashed plantains.
The dish also features other ingredients that dominate the taste and texture. These include garlic and pork cracklings!
The outcome?
A unique taste and texture – savory and garlicky, fusing crispy pork crackling with a smooth and starchy consistency of the mashed plantains.
Bacalaitos
Are you ready for a Puerto Rican seafood treat?
Bacalaitos are cod fish fritters that turn out to be one of the best appetizers you’ve ever had!
In a nutshell, the procedure involves combining salted codfish with a batter made from flour, water and epic seasonings!
The deep fried goodies offer a delightful crunch and tender and flaky interior!
These are easy and fun to make with just 30 minutes of total cooking time.
Enjoy with hot sauce or a garlic dip for the ultimate pleasure!
Puerto Rican Rice Milk Soup
Get ready for a delightful twist on traditional soups that offers a taste of Puerto Rican culinary creativity!
Unlike meat or vegetable broths, this soup is made with pure milk!
And here are more surprises in store for you…
The milk is flavored with butter and salt! A truly unique combination that is something non-Puerto Ricans have probably never tasted before!
Cooked with rice, this soup brings a hearty and satisfying element to the table in addition to being simply wholesome!
Authentic Coquito
Say hello to a delightful Puerto Rican holiday drink that brings joy to festive gatherings!
It is a creamy and luscious coconut-based beverage infused with rum, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and condensed milk.
But here is a surprising fact!
It is an eggless eggnog! Perfect for individuals who are allergic to eggs or avoid them for any other reason!
A bottle of this velvety, indulgent and tropical coquito is perfect for gifting your loved ones on the coming Christmas!
Pollo Guisada
Time to indulge in a delightful Puerto Rican chicken stew that is full of flavor and comforting goodness.
It features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, garlic, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices.
But here is what truly sets it apart…
A flavorful seasoning blend adobo, vibrant sazon and an aromatic flavor base with safrito! These infuse the dish with a beautiful Puerto Rican flare!
Puerto Rican Fritters
Presenting Puerto Rican fritters that are no ordinary appetizer!
Popularly known as alcapurrias, these are a mouthwatering delicacy with a rich and delicious filling.
The secret?
A dough of grated green plantains and yautía is filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat and then deep friend!
The outcome is a crispy exterior and a flavorful, moist center.
These are fun treats that offer a really satisfying and filling experience!
Puerto Rican Paleo Breakfast Lasagna
Looking for a wholesome yet delicious breakfast option featuring Puerto Rican flare?
Here is a nourishing and satisfying choice to begin your day – paleo breakfast lasagna!
The best part?
It features fresh and wholesome ingredients and no processed components!
It’s a kind of lasagna you probably have never tried before with sweet plantains, creamy avocados, hearty sausages and special Latin spice mixtures!
This one-of-a-kind savory and slightly sweet, noodles lasagna is definitely worth a try!
Puerto Rican Flan
Time to explore a creamy and indulgent dessert that holds a special place in Puerto Rican cuisine!
It is a caramel custard made with a smooth mixture of eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla.
The result?
A delightfully sweet and rich taste with a velvety smooth texture!
What sets it apart is its unique sweetness and the use of evaporated milk, which gives it a distinct flavor.
Just 6 ingredients and you’ll be ready to whip up a classic Puerto Rican dessert!
The Puerto Rican Pina Colada
Get ready for a tropical cocktail that presents the essence of paradise!
It’s a delightful blend of rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream and heavy cream!
The outcome is a rich and velvety tropical drink that is extremely refreshing! Plus the combination of sweet and tangy flavors is a delight!
So, jump to the recipe and give it a try to experience a truly tropical escape.
Arroz Con Pollo
Looking for a scrumptious dinner option that takes no longer than an hour to make?
Arroz Con Pollo at your service!
It’s a classic Puerto Rican dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy rice in a flavorful harmony.
The chicken is seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices and creates a savory base for the rice!
The result is a one-pot wonder, where each spoonful delights with the succulent chicken and the aromatic, perfectly seasoned rice.
Cook it as a hearty family feast or a beautiful dish for gatherings!
Camarones Al Ajillo
Craving for an ocean delicacy?
This Puerto Rican dish features garlic shrimp to appease your cravings for a delightful seafood experience!
The shrimp are typically sautéed in olive oil with minced garlic, a touch of red pepper flakes, and a splash of tangy lemon juice among other ingredients.
The outcome is incredible!
Tender shrimp is infused with the bold flavors and is ready to be served as an appetizing dish!
Guanimes with Stewed Eggplant
Wondering what are Guanimes?
These are traditional Puerto Rican cornmeal dumplings with a soft and slightly dense texture!
These are usually served with fish, but this vegetarian twist presents stewed eggplant that adds an extra savory element to the dish!
And there is more…
The stewed eggplant also brings e essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal!
Pollo Asado Facil Al Horno
Get ready for an explosion of flavor with Pollo Asado Fácil al Horno! This mouthwatering dish delivers juicy and succulent oven-roasted chicken!
The chicken is marinated with a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and spices, infusing it with irresistible tanginess and savory notes.
As it bakes to perfection, the skin turns crispy and golden, sealing in all the deliciousness.
This easy and oven-baked delight is a surefire way to bring excitement to your dinner table!
Refer to the picture instructions in the recipe and you’ll know exactly what to do!
Salt cod stew
Here is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish that showcases salted codfish cooked in a rich and savory stew!
It is a delightful combination of fish and a tomato based sauce fused with aromatic spices and herbs.
And here is the final touch…
The rich stew is served with fluffy rice and slices of tender avocados! A beautiful presentation and satisfying experience!
Puerto Rican Breakfast Custard
Here is a delightful morning treat – a creamy Puerto Rican Breakfast Custard!
The custard is made from scratch with only a handful of simple ingredients to create this yummy delight!
And the best part?
All it takes is 25 minutes to cook it!
Made with whole milk, it is a nutritious breakfast option that is delicious and appetizing! Even kids are going to love it!
Enjoy it with some warm toast and give your day a sweet and delightful start.
Puerto Rican Arepas
Puerto Rican arepas are delightful flour cakes with an irresistible texture!
Made with a simple dough, these are shaped into discs and cooked on a griddle until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
How to enjoy these?
The traditional way of having some fun with arepas is splitting them open and filling with savory ingredients like meats, cheese or beans!
Learn to create the perfect Puerto Rican Arepas with the easy pictorial in the recipe.
Surullitos
Surullitos are delectable Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters that are simply irresistible!
These are made by combining a mixture of cornmeal, butter and cheese as the star ingredients!
Shaped into small cylinders, these are deep-fried until golden and crispy!
The outcome?
A delightful sweet and savory taste, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
And there is more…
Learn to create a delicious Mayo Ketchup with this recipe to enjoy with your surullitos.
Puerto Rican Picadillo
The epic Puerto Rican Picadillo is an exciting and mouthwatering dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked to perfection.
The ground beef is sautéed with onions, garlic, peppers, and a medley of spices, resulting in a rich and aromatic filling.
The best part?
Picadillo can be enjoyed in various ways, from stuffing it in empanadas to serving it over rice.
This classic Puerto Rican dish is a crowd-pleaser, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal every time.
Puerto Rican Beef Stew
A hearty Puerto Rican beef stew is a comforting dish that can be perfect for a delightful dinner any day of the week.
Picture this…
Tender beef chunks simmered with onions, peppers, garlic, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices! Rich and aromatic!
Guess what?
The beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly in the savory broth!
Enjoy with rice or mashed potatoes for an epic meal!
Puerto Rican Empanadas
Puerto Rican Empanadas are delightful handheld treats you are going to love!
These crispy turnovers are made by folding dough around a flavorful and cheesy filling featuring beef, potatoes and a blend of flavorful ingredients!
Puerto Rican Empanadas are enjoyed as a quick snack, appetizer, or even as a meal on the go.
And you can be creative with your favorite fillings!
Sancocho
Sancocho is a hearty and comforting Puerto Rican stew that is cherished for its rich flavors and nourishing qualities.
The star ingredients?
Chicken, root vegetables and classic Puerto Rican spices!
Picture all the ingredients simmering together to meld the delicious flavors together!
Sancocho is often enjoyed as a main course, served with a side of white rice and accompanied by slices of avocado.
The dish brings warmth and comfort to the table, perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding
Indulge in a uniquely delightful treat, combining the wobbliness of jelly with the creaminess of pudding!
This Puerto Rican coconut pudding is loved for its creamy and delicate texture.
Guess what?
This dessert is also suitable for a vegan diet as it is made with coconut milk and coconut cream – no animal based products!
Once chilled, the pudding transforms into a smooth and velvety dessert with a subtle coconut flavor.
But wait there is more…
It garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spicy touch!
Coquito Tres Leches Cake
Brace yourselves for a heavenly dessert that combines two delights…
Coquito – a traditional coconut-based holiday beverage – and the beloved Tres Leches cake!
The cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks – evaporated milk, condensed milk and coconut milk.
The result?
An ultimately moist and rich cake which is luscious and indulgent!
But what really sets it apart is the rich coconut touch that gives it a delightful tropical flavor!
Puerto Rican Green Salad with Red Onion
Here is one of the easiest salads you can whip up with a few ingredients!
It features crunchy green lettuce leaves with minced red onion, thinly sliced fresh cabbage and sliced juicy tomatoes!
But that’s not all…
The tangy dressing contains a generous amount of olive oil for a rich experience.
And the most incredible part?
This easy salad is ready in no more than 15 minutes!
Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers
Here is a delicious delight from the streets of Puerto Rico!
You can bring the savory chicken skewers to your own dinner table with this simple recipe that uses a few ingredients.
Juicy chicken chunks are marinated with classic Latin spice mixtures – adobo and sazon – along with aromatic garlic and tangy vinegar!
When grilled to perfection, these turn out to be absolutely delicious!
Serve these beauties with a side of rice or a vibrant salad to enjoy the best Puerto Rican flavors!
Mushroom Bean Tostadas with Scrambled Eggs and Puerto Rican Salsa
When it comes to Puerto Rican cuisine, tostadas stand out as a beloved culinary tradition!
These crispy tortillas are topped with a savory mushroom and bean mixture along with fluffy scrambled eggs and vibrant salsa.
Guess what?
This delicious dish offers lots of nutrition in the form of protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins!
Serve it as a satisfying breakfast or even a light dinner meal.
Scrambled Eggs with Sofrito
Want to start your day with vibrant Puerto Rican flavors?
A simple dish of scrambled eggs with sofrito is your answer!
What is sofrito you ask?
It’s a traditional Puerto Rican seasoning blend consisting of onions, peppers, garlic, herbs and tomatoes!
This vibrant mixture adds a burst of aromatic and savory notes to your eggs, elevating their taste to a whole new level.
Enjoy it alongside warm tortillas or a side of tostadas for a complete and innovative breakfast experience.
Mofongo with Caribbean Vegetable Stew
Here is a delightful and plant-based twist on the traditional Puerto Rican dish!
The classic Mofongo is made by mashing green plantains with garlic and seasoning, forming a flavorful and hearty base.
The vegan version replaces the traditional meat elements with a colorful and vibrant Caribbean vegetable stew!
Click on the recipe and unleash the interactive pictorial to help you create this Puerto Rican classic!
Rellenos De Papa
Discover the delicious Puerto Rican stuffed potato balls that are a true treat!
This fun appetizer features a mashed potato mixture seasoned with spices and stuffed with a savory picadillo – seasoned ground meat!
Then comes the best part…
The filled potato balls are then coated with cornstarch and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
The result is a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes and a flavorful filling with a crispy exterior.
Rellenos de Papa create a truly unique experience, making it a must-try recipe!
Puerto Rican Party Sandwiches
Get ready for a sandwich that will make your parties more vibrant!
Picture this…
Soft, fluffy bread slices with a filling of canned meat, cheese sauce, cream cheese and pimentos!
Every bite gives a rich and indulgent experience!
Easy and quick to make, these are perfect as a party snack for your guests!
So, head to the recipe and discover more about this irresistible appetizer!
Puerto Rican Potato Salad
Puerto Rican potato salad is a rich delight that only takes 15 minutes to prepare!
It features tender potatoes mixed with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, onions, and various seasonings.
The combination of creamy and tangy flavors, along with the soft texture of the potatoes makes it truly satisfying.
It’s a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.
The best part?
You can make it ahead!
In fact you should make it at least 8 hours before serving to let the flavoring mingle together and the salad to chill in the refrigerator!
Tripleta Sandwich
The Tripleta Sandwich is a mouthwatering delight that captures the essence of Puerto Rican street food.
Here is the most exciting part…
It features a trio of different forms of succulent meats – chicken, pork and smoked ham. Hence the name, tripleta!
But that’s not all…
The meats are perfectly complemented by a medley of toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mustard and more!
The Tripleta Sandwich is a must-try for anyone seeking a fun, delicious and satisfying taste of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rican Panetela – Guava Cake
Puerto Rican Panetela is a heavenly dessert that combines the goodness of fluffy sponge cake with the sweet and tangy flavors of guava.
The cake is made with a delicate and moist sponge, layered with a luscious guava filling!
It’s a light cake with the tropical sweetness of guava!
The dessert is a perfect holiday treat – exciting, festive and simply divine!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, amigos! Puerto Rican recipes are a celebration of culture, history, and the sheer joy of savoring incredible flavors.
From the first bite to the last, each dish takes you on a sensory journey through the tropical paradise that is Puerto Rico.
So, sip on a refreshing piña colada or relish a sweet coconut pudding!
Gather your loved ones, put on some lively music and bring the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rican recipes into your own house!
Don’t hesitate sharing your thoughts about this delicious cuisine. We look forward to your comments.
