Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

Looking for a rich and flavorful dish to wow your family and friends? The Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe is just what you need! This hearty, savory dish combines tender pork with a deliciously spiced sauce, perfect for any occasion. What makes it even better is that it’s super easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for something special to prepare for dinner or trying to expand your culinary repertoire, this recipe won’t disappoint.

What makes this Puerto Rican Cuajito recipe even more special is its rich history in Puerto Rican culture. It’s a comforting meal often passed down through generations. I first learned how to make it from a dear family friend who shared their version of this dish with me. Every time I make it, I think of those cozy family gatherings, and it’s now one of my go-to meals when I want to feel connected to my roots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe is a perfect blend of tender pork, rich spices, and savory goodness. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

• Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, onion, and sofrito adds depth and flavor to the tender pork.
• Perfectly tender pork: The slow-cooked pork melts in your mouth, making each bite irresistible.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create an authentic and flavorful Puerto Rican meal.
• Great for special occasions: This dish is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to serve something extraordinary.

Overview Of Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

Puerto Rican Cuajito is a traditional, flavorful dish that brings together tender pork, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices. The slow-cooked pork absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sofrito, garlic, and onion, creating a rich, satisfying dish that is a staple in Puerto Rican households. Whether served over rice or alongside plantains, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing!

What Makes Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe So Special?

What sets the Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe apart is its combination of ingredients, spices, and cooking technique. Here are some highlights that make it unique:

• Sofrito base: The Puerto Rican sofrito (a blend of garlic, onion, peppers, and herbs) is the foundation of the dish, infusing the pork with authentic island flavors.
• Slow cooking: The pork is cooked low and slow, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Versatile: While traditionally served with rice or beans, Cuajito can be paired with a variety of sides for a well-rounded meal.

My First Experience with Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

I first encountered Puerto Rican Cuajito when I was visiting a friend’s family in Puerto Rico. I remember the rich aroma of the pork cooking slowly over the stove, drawing me into the kitchen. Once I tasted it, I was hooked! It was like nothing I had ever experienced before—a perfect balance of savory, rich, and slightly tangy flavors. After that first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself, and it quickly became one of my favorite recipes.

Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe is just what you need! This hearty, savory dish combines tender pork with a deliciously spiced sauce, perfect for any occasion. What makes it even better is that it’s super easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you're looking for something special to prepare for dinner or trying to expand your culinary repertoire, this recipe won’t disappoint.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Servings 5

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon
• Lid
• Serving platter

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons sofrito store-bought or homemade
• 1 packet sazon optional, for added color and flavor
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vinegar for tanginess
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 potato peeled and cubed, optional
• 1 cup green olives optional, for an added savory touch

Instructions

 

Step 1: Brown the Pork

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork pieces on all sides until they’re golden and crisp. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 3: Add the Sofrito

• Stir in the sofrito, sazon (if using), cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Return the Pork to the Pot

• Add the browned pork back into the pot, stirring to combine it with the vegetables and spices.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Chicken Broth

• Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and vinegar, and stir everything together. Bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer

• Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the pork cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked through.

Step 7: Add Potatoes (Optional)

• If you’re using potatoes, add them about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. Let them cook until tender.

Step 8: Add Olives (Optional)

• Add the green olives about 15 minutes before the dish is done to infuse their savory flavor into the stew.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Step 10: Serve

• Once the pork is tender and the sauce is rich, serve the Puerto Rican Cuajito hot, ideally over white rice or with fried plantains.

Notes

• Pork Shoulder: The pork shoulder used in this recipe is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes incredibly tender as it absorbs the flavors from the sofrito and seasonings. You can also opt for pork ribs or pork belly if you prefer a different cut.
• Sofrito: Sofrito is the heart and soul of Puerto Rican cooking. This base of garlic, onion, and bell pepper gives the Cuajito its signature flavor. If you don’t have homemade sofrito, store-bought versions work fine as a substitute.
• Slow Cooking: Patience is key for this recipe. Letting the pork simmer slowly ensures the meat is tender and that the flavors develop fully. It may take time, but the results are worth it!
• Optional Ingredients: Potatoes and green olives are common in Puerto Rican Cuajito but can be skipped or substituted. The olives add a savory and slightly tangy flavor, while potatoes make the dish heartier.
• Serve with Rice: Traditionally, this dish is served with a generous helping of white rice. The sauce from the Cuajito mixes beautifully with the rice, making it the perfect base.

For a complete and delightful meal, you can pair this savory Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe with a sweet and indulgent dish like the Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole. It’s the perfect balance of flavors for any occasion!

Tips for Making Perfect Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

• Use bone-in pork: For extra flavor, you can use bone-in pork shoulder.
• Slow and low cooking: The key to tender, flavorful pork is cooking it slowly on low heat.
• Add veggies: Potatoes and olives are traditional in this recipe, but feel free to get creative with additional veggies like carrots or peas.

Storage Tips for Puerto Rican Cuajito

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Cuajito in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cuajito freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Serving Tips

• Serve over rice: The rich and flavorful sauce is perfect when paired with white rice.
• Pair with fried plantains: Sweet fried plantains complement the savory Cuajito beautifully.
• Side salad: A fresh salad with citrus dressing can cut through the richness of the dish.

What To Serve with Puerto Rican Cuajito

For a complete Puerto Rican meal, serve the Cuajito with:

• White rice
• Tostones (fried green plantains)
• Maduros (sweet fried plantains)
• Puerto Rican beans (Gandules or Red Beans)
• Fresh avocado slices

Nutrition, Calories, Facts Table

Conclusion!

The Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and tender pork. Its rich, savory taste paired with slow-cooked tenderness makes it an unforgettable meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe will transport you to the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine.

FAQs

Here are the most asking questions about Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe…

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for pork. However, the cooking time will be shorter, so adjust accordingly.

Can I make Cuajito without sofrito?

Sofrito is a key flavor base in this recipe, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with finely chopped onions, garlic, and peppers.

Is Cuajito spicy?

The level of spice depends on the sofrito and the type of pepper used. You can adjust the heat by adding or reducing the amount of pepper.

Can I use other cuts of pork?

Yes, you can