puerto rican jibarito recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
puerto rican jibarito recipe
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The Best puerto rican jibarito recipe

I’ve been making Puerto Rican jibarito sandwiches for years, and every time I serve them, my family devours them in minutes. The combination of crispy plantains, tender pork, and flavorful cilantro is a match made in heaven.

As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is quick to prepare and can be adapted to suit any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. My kids adore the crunchy texture of the plantains, and I appreciate the ease of using pre-cooked pork to make it a weeknight staple.

Plus, with its rich history and cultural significance, I feel good about sharing this dish with my loved ones. In fact, the jibarito sandwich has become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

Puerto Rican Jibarito

Puerto Rican Jibarito

4.7 from 1507 votes

A jibarito is a Puerto Rican sandwich that uses fried green plantains instead of bread. This version is filled with seasoned steak, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayonnaise.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Plantain Slices

4 green plantains, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste

For the Steak Filling

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Mayonnaise

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice

For Assembly

1 cup shredded lettuce
1 tomato, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Peel the green plantains and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Fry the plantain slices in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and tender.
4Transfer to paper towels to drain and sprinkle lightly with salt.
5While still warm, place each fried plantain slice between two sheets of wax paper and press gently with a flat bottomed skillet or a heavy plate to flatten to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Set aside.
6In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lime juice.
7Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
8In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with olive oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
9Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
10Remove from heat.
11To assemble each jibarito, spread a generous layer of garlic mayonnaise on one flattened plantain slice.
12Top with a portion of cooked steak, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and optional red onion.
13Place a second plantain slice on top to form a sandwich.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Paper towels
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Small bowl
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: Use green plantains that are firm and not ripe for the best texture. You can substitute chicken or pork for the steak if desired.

Watch Video Of How Puerto Rican Jibarito Works

This jibarito recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. The crispy plantains and flavorful fillings make it a fun, satisfying meal that everyone can customize to their taste.

For storing leftovers, keep the plantains and fillings separate in the fridge to prevent sogginess. To reheat, pop the plantains in an air fryer or oven at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes until they crisp back up, then assemble fresh.

I love serving these with a side of tostones or a simple avocado salad for a complete Puerto Rican inspired meal that always feels special.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Rican Jibarito

Q1: What is a jibarito sandwich?

A jibarito sandwich is a Puerto Rican dish that consists of thinly sliced pork or chicken topped with crispy fried plantains, melted cheese, and fresh cilantro. It’s often served on a crusty sub roll.

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