Puerto Rico is known for a lot of things, from its beautiful beaches to its lively music scene — and of course, its delicious food.
From mofongo to arroz con gandules, Puerto Rico has some of the best food in the world. We rounded up 14 of our favorite recipes you can make at home:
1. Mofongo
What it is: Fried green plantains that are smashed and mixed with a variety of ingredients such as onions, garlic, and pork.
If you like mashed potatoes and plantains, you'll love mofongo. Get the recipe.
2. Trifongo
What it is: Mofongo, only made with sweet plantains instead of green ones to give it a slightly sweeter flavor.
The perfect balance between sweet and savory. Get the recipe.
3. Tostones
What it is: Green plantains twice-fried and flattened.
Great for dipping into rice and beans, or eating all on their own. Get the recipe.
4. Arroz con Gandules
What it is: Rice and peas cooked with pork and sofrito.
The perfect base for all kinds of toppings, from pork to seafood. Get the recipe.
5. Chicharrones de Pollo
What it is: Crispy, deep-fried chicken bites.
For everyone who thinks that crispy skin is the best part of the chicken. Get the recipe.
6. Alcapurrias
What it is: Fritters made with green plantains and taro root, then filled with a variety of fillings like pork and seafood.
With a wide range of fillings available, there's a flavor for everyone. Get the recipe.
7. Pastelón
What it is: Plantains layered with ground beef — kind of like a lasagna, but with plantains instead of pasta sheets.
The perfect dish to feed a crowd. Get the recipe.
8. Sancocho
What it is: A comforting beef soup made with a variety of veggies — usually corn, yuca, and plantains.
Somewhere in between a soup and a stew. Get the recipe.
9. Coquito
What it is: A popular rum and coconut drink.
Think of this as Puerto Rico's tastier version of eggnog. Get the recipe.
10. Pollo Guisado
What it is: A hearty braised chicken stew.
The chicken is so tender it practically falls off the bone . Get the recipe.
11. Serenata de Bacalao
What it is: A flavorful salad made with cod and a variety of other ingredients like eggs and tomatoes.
Salted cod (aka bacalao) gives this salad an intense flavor you either like or hate. But those who like it, love it. Get the recipe.
12. Pernil
What it is: Marinated and slow-roasted pork shoulder.
Crispy skin. Tender meat. What could be better? Get the recipe.
13. Piononos
What it is: A tender plantain rolled up and filled with beef.
Just think of these as mini pastelón. Get the recipe.
14. Pasteles
What it is: Kind of like a tamale, but made with plantain and taro instead of masa, then wrapped in a banana leaf instead of corn husk.
If you like tamales, you'll probably like pasteles. Get the recipe.
Want to learn more about Puerto Rican food? Check out these posts:
• People Taste Test Puerto Rican Food
• How One Small Town In Puerto Rico Found Food And Community After Maria