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Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

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
Cook Time 2 hours
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.