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:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork stomach (cleaned) | 2 pounds |
| White vinegar | ½ cup (for cleaning) |
| Lime juice | From 1 lime (for cleaning) |
| Water | For boiling |
| Sofrito | ½ cup |
| Tomato sauce | ½ cup |
| Sazón with achiote | 1 packet |
| Adobo seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Cilantro (chopped) | ¼ cup |
| Water or broth | 3 cups |
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
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic, onions, green pepper, and sofrito. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the tomato sauce, sazón, adobo, oregano, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- 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.
- Add chopped cilantro in the last 5 minutes. Adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with white rice or mofongo.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Cuajito Puerto Rican Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
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.
Cultural Significance of Cuajito
Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe holds deep cultural roots in Puerto Rican cuisine. It symbolizes family unity, resourcefulness, and respect for tradition.
Often shared at festivals and community gatherings, it reminds people of their heritage and the importance of preserving authentic island recipes passed through generations.
Variations of Cuajito Across Puerto Rico
Different regions of Puerto Rico prepare Cuajito in unique ways. Some add spicy chilies, others include yautÃa or root vegetables for extra texture.
Each household customizes it based on family preference, making this dish both personal and regionally diverse in flavor.
Tips for Cleaning Pork Stomach Perfectly
Cleaning pork stomach properly is crucial for the authentic Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe. Use vinegar, lime juice, and repeated rinsing to remove any odor.
Soaking for at least 20 minutes ensures a fresh flavor. This careful cleaning process guarantees tender and delicious results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overboiling or under-seasoning can ruin your Cuajito’s texture and taste. Avoid skipping the cleaning step, as it affects the final aroma.
Don’t rush the simmering process either, since slow cooking is key to achieving soft and flavorful pork.
What to Serve with Cuajito
Puerto Rican Cuajito Recipe pairs beautifully with Puerto Rican rice, mofongo, or fried plantains. For extra richness, serve it with a side of avocado salad or garlic bread.
The combination of savory stew and fluffy rice creates a truly comforting meal.
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)
What is Cuajito made of?
Cuajito is made of pork stomach stewed in a seasoned tomato-based sauce with sofrito and spices.
Is Cuajito safe to eat?
Yes, when cleaned and cooked properly, pork stomach is safe and delicious to eat.
Can I make Cuajito spicy?
You can include hot peppers or crushed red chili flakes in the stew to boost the spice level.
What does Cuajito taste like?
It has a rich, savory flavor with a tender texture, especially after slow cooking in seasonings.
Can I freeze Cuajito?
Yes, Cuajito freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
You will also like the Golden Corral Crab Salad Recipe.
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