Pernil is a mouthwatering Puerto Rican dish that features slow-roasted pork shoulder. The pork is marinated overnight in a flavorful blend of garlic, sofrito (a mix of onions, peppers, and herbs), adobo, and sazón. As it cooks, the skin on top becomes delightfully crispy, known as cuero. The result is tender, juicy meat with a rich, savory flavor—a true celebration of Puerto Rican cuisine. It is often shredded rather than sliced, making it perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Pair it with classic sides like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) for a complete and satisfying meal.
Puerto Rican Bistec Encebollado, is a traditional dish that features cube steak marinated in a flavorful blend of ingredients and then stewed. The steak is marinated with a mixture of garlic, adobo seasoning, sazón seasoning, vinegar, and oil. This infuses the meat with a rich, spice-forward flavor. After marinating, the steak is stewed with onions and water until it becomes tender and flavorful. It is typically served over white rice and accompanied by fried plantains or other traditional Puerto Rican sides.
Puerto Rican Bistec en Salsa is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tenderized beef steak. The steak is marinated in a blend of traditional Puerto Rican seasonings, which infuse it with rich, savory flavors. It’s then cooked with onions and a tomato-based sauce, creating a deliciously tangy and aromatic meal. This dish is often served with white rice and plantains, making it a hearty and satisfying option.
Puerto Rican Chipotle Chicken is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the bold spices of Puerto Rican cuisine with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. The chicken is marinated in a blend of traditional Puerto Rican spices such as adobo seasoning, sazon, garlic, and lime juice, along with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This combination infuses the chicken with a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. The marinated chicken is grilled which enhances the smoky flavor and adds a nice char to the meat. This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice and beans, fried plantains, or a fresh salad. The smoky and spicy chicken pairs well with the savory and sweet elements of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Carne Guisadas is a traditional chicken stew that is both hearty and flavorful. It is often served over white rice. The stew is made with braised chicken, potatoes, carrots, and olives in a tomato-based broth. The deep flavors come from sofrito, a blend of sweeet peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro or culantro. The chicken is typically cooked on the bone, which adds a lot of flavor to the broth.
Chuleta, refers to fried pork chops that are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. Chuleta is often served with classic sides such as arroz con gandules, habichuelas or salad. The pork chops are marinated with a blend of traditional Puerto Rican spices, including adobo seasoning, sazon, garlic, and vinegar. It can include sofrito, a mixture of peppers and onions, garlic, and herbs. The chops are pan-fried until they develop a brown crust on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.