15 Puerto Rican Oxtail Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Oxtail is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and for good reason. This flavorful and hearty meat dish has been a beloved part of the island's food culture for centuries. With its rich and succulent flavor, oxtail is often reserved for special occasions and family gatherings. In this article, we will be sharing a traditional Puerto Rican oxtail recipe that will transport your taste buds to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Cilantro, Medium Onion, Jalapeno Pepper
Puerto Rican style beans are a staple in many Puerto Rican households, and for good reason. These flavorful beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. They are often served as a side dish or used as a filling in other Puerto Rican dishes. There are many different variations of Puerto Rican style beans, but one thing is for sure – they are always packed with flavor.
Sofrito is the base of many Puerto Rican dishes, and it's what gives them that distinct and delicious flavor. Made with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables, authentic Puerto Rican sofrito is a must-have in any Puerto Rican kitchen. It's usually made in large batches and stored in the freezer for future use. It's the secret ingredient that takes any dish to the next level.
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Puerto Rican Picadillo
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Spanish Olives
Picadillo is a popular dish in Puerto Rico and is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is often served with rice and beans. Every Puerto Rican household has their own unique twist on this dish, but one thing is for sure – it's always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it over rice or use it as a filling in empanadas or pastelillos for a delicious meal.
This classic Puerto Rican dish is a staple in many households. It's a one-pot meal that is easy to make and packed with flavor. The chicken is cooked with rice, vegetables, and a variety of spices, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or for a big family gathering. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
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Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Banana Peppers, Garlic, Chopped Cilantro
As mentioned before, beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and there are many different variations of Puerto Rican style beans. Some are made with pork, some with chorizo, and some with a combination of meats. But one thing is for sure – they are always delicious. Whether served as a side dish or used as a filling, these beans are a must-try for any food lover.
As we mentioned before, sofrito is the base of many Puerto Rican dishes, and it's what gives them that distinct and delicious flavor. It's a combination of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs, all blended together to create a flavorful paste. It's added to many Puerto Rican dishes, such as rice and beans, stews, and soups, to give them that extra kick of flavor.
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Puerto Rican Rice (An Authentic)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Sazon, Adobo, Sofrito
There are many different ways to make Puerto Rican rice, but this authentic recipe is a must-try. The secret to perfect Puerto Rican rice is the sofrito, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish. This rice is usually served as a side dish to accompany many Puerto Rican dishes, but it's also delicious on its own. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Pastelon (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Peanut Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green
Pastelon is a Puerto Rican twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of using lasagna noodles, this dish uses layers of sweet plantains, ground beef, and cheese. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a special occasion or for a family gathering. It's also a great way to introduce Puerto Rican cuisine to someone who has never tried it before.
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Traditional Puerto Rican Rice Arroz con Gandules
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cubanelle Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Fresh Cilantro
Arroz con gandules, or rice with pigeon peas, is a classic Puerto Rican dish that is often served during the holidays. It's made with long-grain rice, pigeon peas, and a variety of herbs and spices. This dish is packed with flavor and is usually served as a side dish to accompany other Puerto Rican dishes. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore Puerto Rican cuisine.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
Pernil, or roasted pork shoulder, is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. It's usually served during the holidays or for special occasions. The pork is marinated with a variety of herbs and spices and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, using a slow cooker makes this dish easy to prepare and perfect for a busy day.
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Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
Rice and beans are a classic combination in Puerto Rican cuisine. This dish is made with red kidney beans, sofrito, and a variety of spices, and served over white rice. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is packed with flavor and is often served as a main dish. It's a great way to introduce someone to Puerto Rican cuisine, as it's a simple yet delicious dish.
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Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
Similar to habichuelas guisadas, this Puerto Rican rice and beans recipe is another delicious variation of the classic dish. It's made with pink beans, sofrito, and a variety of spices, and served over white rice. This dish is packed with flavor and is a great way to add some Puerto Rican flair to your weekly meal rotation. It's also a great dish to make in large batches and freeze for future meals.
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Puerto Rican Rice + Beans
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Olive Oil, Salsa, Garlic, Cumin, Chili
Yet another delicious variation of rice and beans, this Puerto Rican rice and beans recipe is made with a combination of black beans and pink beans. It's also flavored with sofrito and a variety of spices, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein, such as chicken or pork, to make it a complete meal.
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Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cream Cheese, Sweetened Condensed Milk
No Puerto Rican meal is complete without dessert, and flan de queso, or cheese flan, is a must-try. This creamy and decadent dessert is made with cream cheese, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk, and topped with a caramel sauce. It's a popular dessert in Puerto Rico and is often served during special occasions or holidays. It's a delicious way to end any meal.
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Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potatoes)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cornstarch, Egg, Salt, Oil
Papas rellenas, or stuffed potatoes, are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. They are made with mashed potatoes stuffed with a flavorful ground beef filling, then breaded and fried to perfection. These crispy and savory snacks are perfect for a quick bite or as an appetizer at a party. They are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
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Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
Main Ingredients: Coconut Milk, White Rum, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican drink that is often served during the holidays. It's similar to eggnog, but with a tropical twist. It's made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and a variety of spices, and can be served with or without alcohol. It's a rich and creamy drink that is perfect for sipping on while enjoying the company of family and friends.
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Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Mayonnaise
Tostones, or fried plantains, are a popular side dish or snack in Puerto Rico. They are made by frying green plantains and then smashing them and frying them again. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are usually served with a garlic sauce or mojo. They are a delicious and addictive snack that is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
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Slow Cooked Puerto Rican Pork (Pernil)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Butt, Garlic Cloves, Ground Black Pepper
This slow-cooked Puerto Rican pork is a variation on the classic pernil dish. It's made with a pork shoulder, marinated with a variety of herbs and spices, and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a flavorful and tender meat that is perfect for a special occasion or family gathering. Plus, using a slow cooker makes this dish easy to prepare and leaves you with more time to spend with your loved ones.
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Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)
Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Adobo All Purpose Seasoning
Pollo guisado, or Puerto Rican chicken stew, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. It's made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, and a variety of spices, and is usually served over white rice. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
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Puerto Rican Plantain Lasagna (Pastelon)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Eggs, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Red Pepper
Pastelon, or plantain lasagna, is a variation on traditional lasagna. Instead of using lasagna noodles, this dish uses layers of sweet plantains, ground beef, and cheese. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a special occasion or for a family gathering. It's also a great way to introduce Puerto Rican cuisine to someone who has never tried it before.
The History of Oxtail in Puerto Rican Cuisine
The African Influence
The use of oxtail in Puerto Rican cuisine can be traced back to the island's colonial past. During the era of African slavery, oxtail was considered a "throwaway" cut of meat and was often given to slaves as part of their rations. However, the resourceful slaves turned this inexpensive cut into a flavorful and delicious dish by slow cooking it with aromatic herbs and spices.
The Spanish Influence
The Spanish colonizers also had a significant impact on Puerto Rican cuisine, bringing with them their love for hearty stews and soups. They introduced the technique of braising oxtail, which involves searing the meat and then cooking it slowly in a liquid until it becomes tender and falls off the bone. This method of cooking oxtail is still widely used in Puerto Rican households today.
The Puerto Rican Twist
Over time, Puerto Rican cooks added their own unique twist to the oxtail dish, incorporating local ingredients such as sofrito (a blend of onions, peppers, and herbs) and adobo seasoning (a blend of garlic, oregano, and other spices). These additions added depth and complexity to the already flavorful dish, making it a true representation of Puerto Rican cuisine.
The Traditional Puerto Rican Oxtail Recipe
Now, let's get to the main event - the recipe! Here is a simple and authentic Puerto Rican oxtail recipe that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
3-4 pounds of oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of adobo seasoning
1 tablespoon of oregano
1 bay leaf
1 cup of sofrito
2 cups of beef broth
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 cup of frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Season the oxtail pieces with adobo seasoning and oregano.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the oxtail pieces and sear until brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the sofrito, bay leaf, and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Return the oxtail to the pot and add the diced tomatoes.
Cover the pot and let the oxtail simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Stir in the frozen peas and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the oxtail over white rice and enjoy the taste of Puerto Rico in every bite!
In Conclusion
Oxtail may have humble beginnings, but in Puerto Rican cuisine, it has become a beloved and celebrated dish. Its rich and savory flavors, combined with the island's unique twist, make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Puerto Rico. So next time you want to add some Caribbean flair to your dinner table, give this traditional Puerto Rican oxtail recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
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