Side Dishes
Discover traditional Puerto Rican side dishes, from flavorful arroz con gandules and garlic-seasoned mofongo to tender yuca al ajillo, guanimes, and plantain specialties. These classic Cocina Criolla recipes showcase the island's rich culinary heritage and complement a variety of main courses.
Arroz Blanco
A staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, fluffy white rice is traditionally served alongside beans, stewed meats, and other classic dishes. Simple and versatile, it is an essential part of everyday island cooking.
Arroz con Cebolla
A flavorful rice dish prepared with sautéed onions and seasonings. The onions add a subtle sweetness and savory depth to this comforting side dish.
Arroz con Cebolla II
An alternative preparation of Puerto Rican onion rice, combining tender rice with the rich flavor of onions and aromatic seasonings.
Arroz con Gandules
Puerto Rico's iconic rice dish made with pigeon peas, sofrito, and traditional seasonings, often enhanced with pork. A centerpiece of Christmas celebrations and family gatherings.
Asopao
A hearty Puerto Rican rice stew prepared with a savory broth, sofrito, and ingredients such as chicken or seafood. Its rich flavor and comforting texture make it a beloved island dish.
Breadfruit, Avocado and Cod Fish Salad
A traditional Caribbean-inspired salad combining tender breadfruit, creamy avocado, and salted codfish. A flavorful combination of tropical ingredients and Puerto Rico's coastal culinary heritage.
Ensalada de Ñame
A traditional Puerto Rican salad made with tender boiled yam, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. A hearty side dish highlighting one of the island's staple root vegetables.
Guanimes de Maíz
Traditional Puerto Rican cornmeal dumplings wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until tender. Rooted in Indigenous Taíno culinary traditions, they are commonly served with stewed dishes or salted codfish.
Guanimes de Plátano
A variation of traditional guanimes made with plantains, wrapped in leaves and boiled. These tender dumplings reflect Puerto Rico's long tradition of preparing dishes with locally grown ingredients.
Mofongo
One of Puerto Rico's signature dishes, made with fried green plantains mashed with garlic, pork cracklings, and seasonings. Often served as a side dish or filled with meat or seafood.
Pasteles de Platano
Traditional Puerto Rican pasteles made with a plantain-based dough, filled with seasoned meat, wrapped in banana leaves, and boiled. Especially popular during the Christmas season.
Piononos
Sweet plantain slices wrapped around a savory ground beef filling, then baked or fried until golden. A delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Stewed Chicken
Tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with sofrito, herbs, and traditional seasonings. Commonly served with rice, beans, or root vegetables.
Yuca al Ajillo
Tender boiled cassava tossed in a fragrant garlic sauce, often prepared with olive oil and citrus. A simple, flavorful side dish commonly served with roasted meats and seafood.
My Favorite Recipe Book
Find recipes like this and more in the recipe book Puerto Rican Cookery by Carmen Aboy Valldejuli. My mother gave me this recipe book on my 18th birthday and it has been my staple recipe book ever since.
Did You Know?
Many Puerto Rican place names—including Arecibo, Utuado, Caguas, Mayagüez, and Humacao—are of Taíno origin.