Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe. Puerto Rican Cuajito is a classic dish made from stewed pork stomach, known for its deep flavors and seasoned with traditional island spices.

If you’ve ever had a bowl of this at a Puerto Rican festival or family gathering, you already know how comforting and deeply satisfying it is.

I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this bold and authentic recipe right in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Category: Main Dish

History and Origin

Cuajito originates from traditional Puerto Rican cocina criolla. It’s a rustic dish made from stewed pork stomach, historically prepared during festivals or by families making use of the entire animal.

Popular in mountain towns and local markets, Cuajito showcases the island’s rich culture of slow-cooked, seasoned meats rooted in heritage and flavor. By the way, you can also try the Puerto Rican Flan Recipe.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe:

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Traditional Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe:

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

Step 1: Clean the Pork Stomach

Rinse the pork stomach thoroughly. Apply vinegar and lime juice for scrubbing and soaking. Rinse several times with cold water to remove any smell or residue. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Pork

Put the pork into a large pot filled with water. Boil for about 45 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises. Drain and rinse again.

Step 3: Sauté the Base

In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic, onions, green pepper, and sofrito. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato and Seasonings

Combine the tomato sauce, sazón, adobo, oregano, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer the Cuajito

Return the boiled pork stomach to the pot. Add 3 cups of water or broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Add chopped cilantro in the last 5 minutes. Adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with white rice or mofongo.

Recipe Card

Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe

Welcome to the Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe. Puerto Rican Cuajito is a classic dish made from stewed pork stomach, known for its deep flavors and seasoned with traditional island spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds pork stomach cleaned
• ½ cup white vinegar
• Juice from 1 lime
• Water for boiling
• ½ cup sofrito
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 packet sazón with achiote
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro chopped
• 3 cups water or broth

Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Step 1: Clean the Pork Stomach

1. Rinse the pork stomach thoroughly. Apply vinegar and lime juice for scrubbing and soaking. Rinse several times with cold water to remove any smell or residue. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
   

Step 2: Boil the Pork

1. Put the pork into a large pot filled with water. Boil for about 45 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises. Drain and rinse again.
   

Step 3: Sauté the Base

1. In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic, onions, green pepper, and sofrito. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
   

Step 4: Add Tomato and Seasonings

1. Combine the tomato sauce, sazón, adobo, oregano, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
   

Step 5: Simmer the Cuajito

1. Return the boiled pork stomach to the pot. Add 3 cups of water or broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
   

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Add chopped cilantro in the last 5 minutes. Adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with white rice or mofongo.
   

Notes

Store leftover cuajito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To heat it up, carefully warm it on the stove or in the microwave until it is heated through.

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Cuajito Puerto Rican Recipe:

Serving Suggestions

Serve Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe hot with a side of white rice or tostones for a full traditional meal. You can also pair it with stewed beans or avocado slices.

For a festive occasion, serve with arroz con gandules and enjoy its rich flavors with family or friends.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cuajito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To heat it up, carefully warm it on the stove or in the microwave until it is heated through.

If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

Cuajito represents an authentic flavor of the traditional soul food found in Puerto Rico. With slow simmering and bold flavors, this dish brings comfort and culture to the table.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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