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Experience Puerto Rican Culture & Life / Cocina Criolla

Fried Dishes

Discover Puerto Rico's favorite fried dishes, from crispy bacalaitos and golden tostones to savory rellenos de papa and traditional sorullos de maíz. These classic Cocina Criolla recipes celebrate the island's rich culinary traditions, offering delicious snacks, appetizers, and side dishes enjoyed at home, roadside kiosks, and local festivals.

Arepas de Maiz
Traditional Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters, fried until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. Enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to a meal.

Bacalaitos
Thin, crispy salt cod fritters made with seasoned flour batter and shredded codfish. A beloved Puerto Rican street food commonly found at beachside kiosks, festivals, and roadside stands.

Barriguitas de Viejas
Traditional Puerto Rican sweet pumpkin fritters made with mashed calabaza, flour, sugar, and warm spices. Fried until golden, these soft, flavorful treats are enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Amarillos
Sweet, ripe plantains sliced and fried until golden and caramelized. Their naturally sweet flavor makes them a popular accompaniment to savory Puerto Rican dishes.

Jibaritos
A Puerto Rican specialty featuring flattened fried green plantains used in place of bread, typically filled with seasoned meat, lettuce, tomato, and garlic-flavored mayonnaise.

Rellenos de Papa
Golden fried potato balls filled with savory seasoned ground beef. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these popular Puerto Rican fritters are enjoyed as snacks or appetizers.

Sorullos de Maiz
Traditional Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters shaped into small sticks and fried until golden. Slightly crisp outside and tender inside, they are often served with a dipping sauce or filled with cheese.

Tostones
Twice-fried green plantain slices, flattened and fried until crisp and golden. Seasoned with salt and often served with garlic sauce, they are a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine.





Did You Know?

Enrique A. Laguerre was nominated for the Nobel Price for Literature in 1999. He is considered the most important Puerto Rican novelist.