World Recipe: Puerto Rican Jibarito

12 Oct World Recipe: Puerto Rican Jibarito

The Jibarito is an iconic sandwich from Puerto Rico, beloved for its originality: instead of bread, crispy green plantain tostones hold a flavorful and juicy filling. This dish reflects the creativity of Puerto Rican cuisine, where traditional ingredients are reinvented to create meals full of flavor and Caribbean character.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• 2 ½ tsp adobo
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Steak
• 2 large green plantains
• Salt to taste
• Mayonnaise and ketchup to taste
• Grated cheddar cheese to taste
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced

Preparation:

• In a large bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, adobo, garlic powder, fresh garlic, and pepper. Add the steak and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak 2–4 minutes per side. Remove and slice into ¼-inch strips. Set aside.
• Peel the plantains and cut lengthwise in half. Fry in hot oil until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Carefully flatten and fry again until crispy, 1–2 minutes. Add salt to taste.
• Spread mayoketchup on a tostone. Layer with cheddar cheese, half the steak, onion, cilantro, lettuce, and tomato. Top with another tostone. Repeat for the second sandwich.

Enjoy this Puerto Rican classic, full of tradition and flavor!