16 Recipe For Puerto Rican Pastelillos Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Puerto Rican pastelillos are a beloved dish that can be found at almost any gathering or celebration in Puerto Rico. These savory turnovers are filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, making them a versatile and flavorful dish. While there are many variations of this recipe, the traditional Puerto Rican pastelillo is made with a crispy, fried exterior and a tasty filling. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic Puerto Rican pastelillos that will impress your family and friends.
Pastelillos de Carne (Puerto Rican Meat Turnovers)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Recao, Beef, Adobo, Kosher
Beer can chicken is a popular dish, but have you ever tried making it with a Puerto Rican twist? These pastelillos de carne, or Puerto Rican meat turnovers, are a delicious and unique way to enjoy beer can chicken. The flaky, golden brown pastry is filled with tender chicken, seasoned with traditional Puerto Rican spices and herbs. This is a must-try for anyone looking to add some Caribbean flair to their beer can chicken recipe. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish paired with a fresh salad.
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Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Cilantro, Medium Onion, Jalapeno Pepper
No Puerto Rican meal is complete without a side of beans. This recipe for Puerto Rican style beans is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The beans are slow-cooked with sofrito, a flavorful blend of onions, peppers, and herbs. Black beans and pink beans are commonly used in this dish, but you can use your favorite variety. The result is a rich and hearty dish that is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken.
Sofrito is the base of many Puerto Rican dishes, including the beans mentioned above. It is a flavorful blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs that adds a depth of flavor to any dish. This authentic Puerto Rican sofrito recipe is a staple in many households and is a key ingredient in many traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Make a big batch and store it in the freezer for future use in your beer can chicken and other recipes.
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Puerto Rican Picadillo
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Spanish Olives
If you're looking to add even more flavor to your beer can chicken, try serving it with this Puerto Rican picadillo. This dish is made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and raisins, creating a unique sweet and savory flavor profile. The picadillo is typically served over rice, but it also makes a delicious topping for beer can chicken. The combination of flavors is sure to impress your taste buds.
Rice is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this Puerto Rican chicken and rice dish is a classic. The chicken is marinated in a garlicky and tangy sauce before being cooked with rice and other traditional ingredients. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. Add some extra chicken broth and serve it as a soup, or let it simmer longer for a thicker, heartier dish.
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Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Banana Peppers, Garlic, Chopped Cilantro
No Puerto Rican meal is complete without a side of beans. This recipe for Puerto Rican style beans is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The beans are slow-cooked with sofrito, a flavorful blend of onions, peppers, and herbs. Black beans and pink beans are commonly used in this dish, but you can use your favorite variety. The result is a rich and hearty dish that is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken.
Sofrito is the base of many Puerto Rican dishes, including the beans mentioned above. It is a flavorful blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs that adds a depth of flavor to any dish. This authentic Puerto Rican sofrito recipe is a staple in many households and is a key ingredient in many traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Make a big batch and store it in the freezer for future use in your beer can chicken and other recipes.
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Puerto Rican Rice (An Authentic)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Sazon, Adobo, Sofrito
Rice is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this authentic Puerto Rican rice recipe is a must-try. The rice is cooked with sofrito, sazon, and other traditional ingredients for a flavorful and colorful dish. The addition of pigeon peas adds a unique texture and flavor to the rice. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
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Pastelon (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Peanut Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green
If you're looking for a new way to enjoy beer can chicken, try this Puerto Rican twist on lasagna. Pastelon, or Puerto Rican lasagna, is made with layers of sweet plantains, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce. The layers are then topped with more cheese and baked to perfection. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and is a great way to switch up your beer can chicken game.
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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 traditional Puerto Rican dish that is often served on special occasions. This recipe stays true to the traditional flavors and techniques, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor. The rice is cooked with sofrito, sazon, and a variety of other spices and herbs. The addition of pigeon peas gives the dish a unique texture and flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a taste of Puerto Rico.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
Pernil, or Puerto Rican roasted pork shoulder, is a staple in many Puerto Rican households. It is often served during holidays and special occasions, but this slow cooker version makes it easy to enjoy anytime. The pork is marinated in a flavorful blend of citrus juices, garlic, and herbs before being slow-cooked to tender perfection. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a feast fit for a king.
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Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
This recipe for Puerto Rican rice and beans, or habichuelas guisadas, is a simple and delicious side dish for your beer can chicken. The beans are cooked with sofrito, sazon, and a variety of other spices and herbs. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish that pairs well with the beer can chicken. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
No Puerto Rican meal is complete without a side of rice and beans. This recipe for Puerto Rican rice and beans is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The rice is cooked with sofrito, sazon, and other traditional ingredients, while the beans are slow-cooked with a variety of spices and herbs. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a taste of Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Olive Oil, Salsa, Garlic, Cumin, Chili
No Puerto Rican meal is complete without a side of rice and beans. This recipe for Puerto Rican rice and beans is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The rice is cooked with sofrito, sazon, and other traditional ingredients, while the beans are slow-cooked with a variety of spices and herbs. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a taste of Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cream Cheese, Sweetened Condensed Milk
Flan is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert, and this flan de queso, or cheese flan, is a must-try. This creamy and decadent dessert is made with a custard base and a layer of cream cheese on top. The result is a rich and flavorful dessert that is the perfect ending to your beer can chicken dinner. Serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a touch of sweetness.
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Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potatoes)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cornstarch, Egg, Salt, Oil
These Puerto Rican papas rellenas, or stuffed potatoes, are a unique and delicious way to enjoy beer can chicken. The potatoes are mashed and stuffed with a seasoned ground beef filling before being fried to golden perfection. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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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 holiday season. This creamy and delicious drink is similar to eggnog, but with a Caribbean twist. It is made with coconut milk, rum, and a variety of spices and flavors. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a festive and authentic Puerto Rican meal.
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Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Mayonnaise
Tostones, or fried plantains, are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. These salty and crispy plantains are the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. They can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish, and are easy to make at home. Simply fry sliced plantains until golden brown and serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a taste of the Caribbean.
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Slow Cooked Puerto Rican Pork (Pernil)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Butt, Garlic Cloves, Ground Black Pepper
Pernil, or Puerto Rican roasted pork shoulder, is a staple in many Puerto Rican households. It is often served during holidays and special occasions, but this slow cooker version makes it easy to enjoy anytime. The pork is marinated in a flavorful blend of citrus juices, garlic, and herbs before being slow-cooked to tender perfection. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a feast fit for a king.
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Puerto Rican Chicken Empanadas (Empanadillas de Pollo)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Oil, Salt, Water, Boneless Chicken
Empanadas, or stuffed pastries, are popular in many Latin American countries, including Puerto Rico. These Puerto Rican chicken empanadas, or empanadillas de pollo, are a delicious and unique way to enjoy beer can chicken. The chicken is seasoned with traditional Puerto Rican spices and herbs before being stuffed into flaky pastry pockets and fried to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside your beer can chicken.
Gather Your Ingredients
What You Will Need
To make Puerto Rican pastelillos, you will need:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 cup of cold water
1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
1 egg
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 pound of ground beef or 1 can of canned corned beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup of tomato sauce
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Preparing the Dough
To start, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in the vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold water, vinegar, egg, and vegetable oil. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or canned corned beef) over medium-high heat until it is browned. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until they are softened. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the filling simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Assemble and Fry the Pastelillos
Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the filling onto one half of the circle and fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges of the dough together.
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pastelillos into the oil and fry until they are golden brown on each side. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pastelillos hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa or hot sauce. These savory treats are perfect for any occasion and will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
In conclusion, Puerto Rican pastelillos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. With this authentic recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of Puerto Rico in the comfort of your own home. So gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to create a batch of mouth-watering pastelillos that will impress everyone.
Pastelillos de Carne (Puerto Rican Meat Turnovers)
