Easy Puerto Rican Lunch Recipes to Try
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever found yourself craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors but doesn’t take all day to prepare? Puerto Rican cuisine is all about rich spices, hearty ingredients, and comforting dishes that bring people together. Whether you’re new to these flavors or just looking for quick and easy Puerto Rican lunch recipes, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll discover simple yet traditional meals that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. From flavorful rice dishes to mouthwatering sandwiches, each recipe is packed with the authentic taste of Puerto Rico while remaining easy to make at home. Get ready to bring the taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen!
Classic & Easy Puerto Rican Lunch Recipes
1. Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
This dish is a staple in Puerto Rican households, combining fluffy rice, savory pigeon peas, and a blend of spices for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-grain rice | 2 cups |
| Pigeon peas (gandules) | 1 can |
| Sofrito (homemade or store-bought) | 3 tbsp |
| Tomato sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Adobo seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Sazón (with annatto) | 1 packet |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sofrito and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, pigeon peas, sazón, and adobo.
- Add the rice and mix well. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Pair it with: Fried plantains or a fresh avocado salad for a well-rounded lunch.
2-Arroz con Gandules – Puerto Rico’s Signature Rice Dish
One of the most iconic Puerto Rican dishes, arroz con gandules, is a staple at family gatherings, celebrations, and casual lunches. It’s made with pigeon peas, seasoned rice, and sofrito, giving it a deep, rich flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-grain rice | 2 cups |
| Pigeon peas (gandules) | 1 can |
| Sofrito | 3 tbsp |
| Tomato sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Adobo seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Sazón (with annatto) | 1 packet |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add sofrito and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, pigeon peas, sazón, and adobo.
- Add the rice and mix well. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Pro Tip: Pair it with grilled chicken, pork, or tostones (fried plantains) for an even more satisfying meal.
3. Pernil Sandwich (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Sandwich)
A sandwich that’s both crispy and juicy, made with shredded pernil (roast pork) on soft Puerto Rican bread. It’s a perfect lunch for when you have leftovers from a Sunday roast.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted pernil (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Puerto Rican bread (or ciabatta) | 1 roll |
| Garlic mayonnaise | 2 tbsp |
| Pickles | 4 slices |
| Swiss cheese | 2 slices |
Instructions:
- Slice the bread in half and lightly toast it.
- Spread garlic mayo on both sides of the bread.
- Layer the shredded pernil, cheese, and pickles.
- Press in a panini maker or heat in a skillet until crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pair it with: A side of crispy tostones (fried plantains) or yuca fries.
4. Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp (Mashed Plantains & Shrimp)
Mofongo is one of Puerto Rico’s most famous dishes, and it’s easier to make than you think. This version, topped with garlicky shrimp, is a flavorful and filling lunch.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green plantains | 3 large |
| Garlic cloves | 4 minced |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the plantains into thick rounds.
- Fry them in hot oil until golden brown, then drain.
- Mash the fried plantains with garlic and a little olive oil until smooth.
- In a separate pan, cook shrimp with olive oil and garlic for 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve the shrimp over the mashed plantains and garnish with cilantro.
Pair it with: A light side salad or a slice of avocado.
Bacalaitos (Puerto Rican Salted Cod Fritters)
Bacalaitos are a traditional Puerto Rican snack or lunch dish made from salted codfish. These crispy fritters are a savory treat that can be served as a main dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted cod fillets | 1 lb |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion | 1 small, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Olive oil | For frying |
Instructions
- Soak the salted cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water a few times to remove excess salt.
- Flake the cod and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic, and onion. Slowly add water until you get a thick batter.
- Stir in the flaked cod and mix well.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
These fritters are a perfect midday snack and offer a unique flavor of Puerto Rico’s coastal influences.
Puerto Rican Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas are a common lunch or snack option in Puerto Rico, and they’re filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. These chicken empanadas are crispy, savory, and easy to make, making them a perfect addition to your lunch menu.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (cooked and shredded) | 2 cups |
| Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade) | 12 discs |
| Sofrito | 2 tbsp |
| Green olives | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Adobo seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Oil | For frying |
Instructions
- Heat sofrito in a pan over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and green olives. Stir in adobo seasoning and cook for 5 minutes.
- Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto each empanada disc.
- Fold the disc over and seal the edges tightly by pressing with a fork.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the empanadas until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with a side of salsa or garlic dipping sauce.
Empanadas make an excellent lunch option because they’re portable, easy to eat, and can be filled with your choice of protein.
More Puerto Rican Lunch Ideas
Looking for more? Here are quick lunch ideas that are packed with island flavor:
- Tostones con Guacamole: Crispy fried plantains served with Puerto Rican-style guacamole.
- Puerto Rican Chicken Soup (Sopa de Pollo): A comforting, brothy soup filled with chicken, potatoes, and sofrito.
- Alcapurrias: Fried plantain fritters stuffed with ground beef, a perfect grab-and-go lunch.
Tips for Making Authentic Puerto Rican Lunches at Home
- Use fresh sofrito – This blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs is the foundation of many dishes.
- Invest in sazón and adobo – These seasonings add an instant boost of Puerto Rican flavor.
- Try different proteins – Many recipes work with chicken, pork, or seafood.
- Pair with simple sides – Tostones, rice, and fresh salads complement any dish.
FAQs About Puerto Rican Lunch Recipes
What is a traditional Puerto Rican lunch?
A traditional Puerto Rican lunch often includes rice, beans, plantains, and a protein like pork, chicken, or seafood.
Can I make these recipes healthier?
Yes! Swap frying for air frying or grilling, and use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier twist.
Where can I find Puerto Rican ingredients?
You can find essentials like sofrito, sazón, and adobo in Latin grocery stores or online.
Can I make Puerto Rican dishes vegetarian?
Absolutely! Many Puerto Rican dishes can be easily made vegetarian by swapping out the meat for beans, tofu, or mushrooms. For example, you can make a vegetarian version of arroz con gandules by using vegetable broth and adding more beans.
Conclusion
Puerto Rican food is all about bold flavors, simple ingredients, and heartwarming meals that bring families together. Whether you’re trying arroz con gandules, a pernil sandwich, or mofongo, each of these recipes will bring a taste of the island to your kitchen.
Now, it’s your turn! Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with fellow food lovers!
