3 Best Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes You Must Try: Your Best Guide in 2025

Puerto Rican food is full of flavor and history. If you want to enjoy the best tastes of the island, you must try the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try. These dishes are loved by many and will make you feel like you are in Puerto Rico. If you have never tasted them, now is the perfect time to learn about them and try them yourself. The 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try are easy to find and even easier to love. Whether you cook them at home or eat them at a restaurant, you will never forget their amazing flavors.

Mofongo: A Must-Try Puerto Rican Dish

Mofongo is one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try. It is made with fried green plantains, and mashed with garlic, pork cracklings, and olive oil. This dish is served with meat, seafood, or vegetables. Here is how you can make it at home.

Ingredients:

• 3 green plantains
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup pork cracklings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Peel the plantains and cut them into small pieces.
2. Fry them in hot oil until they turn golden brown.
3. Mash the fried plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, olive oil, and salt.
4. Shape the mixture into a ball or place it in a bowl.
5. Serve with your choice of meat, seafood, or sauce.\

Arroz con Gandules: The National Dish of Puerto Rico

Arroz con Gandules is another one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try. This dish is made with rice, pigeon peas, and a mix of spices. It is a staple in Puerto Rican homes and is often served at special gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 can pigeon peas
• 2 tablespoons sofrito (a mix of onions, garlic, and peppers)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

1. Heat a pot and add the sofrito, cooking it for a few minutes.
2. Add tomato sauce, pigeon peas, and chicken broth.
3. Stir in the rice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot.
5. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the rice is soft and fluffy, serve hot.

Pernil: The Best Puerto Rican Pork Dish

Pernil is a slow-roasted pork shoulder and is one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try. This dish is full of flavor and is usually served during holidays and big family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork shoulder (about 5 pounds)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Rub the pork shoulder with garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and olive oil.
3. Place it in a baking dish and pour the orange juice over it.
4. Cover with foil and bake for about 4 hours.
5. Remove the foil and bake for another hour to make the outside crispy.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

FAQs

What is the most popular Puerto Rican dish?

Mofongo is one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try. It is made with mashed fried plantains and is served with different toppings like shrimp, pork, or chicken. Many people consider it the best Puerto Rican dish.

Can I make Arroz con Gandules without meat?

Yes, you can make Arroz con Gandules without meat. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and enjoy a vegetarian version. It is still one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try.

How long does it take to cook Pernil?

Pernil takes about 5 hours to cook. The slow cooking process makes the meat very tender and flavorful. This is why it is one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try.

What are the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try?

The 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try are Mofongo, Arroz con Gandules, and Pernil. Each dish has a unique flavor that represents Puerto Rican cuisine.

Are the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try easy to cook?

Yes, the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try are easy to cook. Mofongo requires frying and mashing, Arroz con Gandules involves simple steps, and Pernil is a slow-roasted dish that is simple but takes time.

What makes Puerto Rican food special?

Puerto Rican food is special because it is full of bold flavors and unique ingredients. The 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try showcase the island’s love for delicious and hearty meals.

Can I find the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try at restaurants?

Yes, you can find the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try at most Puerto Rican restaurants. They are commonly served because they are loved by locals and tourists alike.

Is Mofongo spicy?

Mofongo is not usually spicy, but it can be if you add spicy sauce or seasoning. The 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try can be adjusted to your taste preference.

What is the best way to serve Arroz con Gandules?

Arroz con Gandules is best served with Pernil or other meats. This combination makes it one of the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try.

Why should I try the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes?

You should try the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes because they are full of flavor and history. They represent the best of Puerto Rican cuisine and will give you a taste of the island.

Conclusion

Now that you know the 3 best traditional Puerto Rican dishes you must try, it is time to taste them for yourself. Each dish is full of flavor and easy to make at home. You can also find these dishes in Puerto Rican restaurants if you want to try the authentic taste.

For more delicious food ideas, check out Easy Peruvian Nikkei Ceviche Recipe and Delicious Haitian Joumou Soup Recipe.

If you want to learn more about Puerto Rican cuisine, visit this website or this page. Enjoy your food journey!