Forktionary

Puerto Rican Style Fried Rice Recipe

Craving a quick and flavorful Puerto Rican-inspired meal? This vibrant Puerto Rican Style Fried Rice is your answer! A faster alternative to traditional Arroz con Gandules, this recipe bursts with savory pork, vibrant pigeon peas, and a hint of smoky annatto. Easy to make in under 20 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Get ready to experience a taste of Puerto Rico in every delicious bite!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 659.1 kcal
Protein 54g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Puerto Rican Style Fried Rice 106

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Style Fried Rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day old)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or lard
  • 1 cup diced pork
  • 1/4 cup sliced green olives
  • 1/2 cup pigeon peas (cooked or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color or combination)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • fresh sprig cilantro, for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons annatto seeds
  • fried plantains (tostones), optional for serving
  • potato salad, optional for serving

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How to Make Puerto Rican Style Fried Rice

  1. Prepare all ingredients before starting. Mince garlic, chop peppers, and measure out all spices.
  2. Make the annatto oil: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of oil (vegetable or lard) over low heat until hot.
  3. Add 3 tablespoons of annatto seeds and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes). Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve.
  5. Preheat a non-stick pan or wok over high heat for 1 minute.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of the annatto oil to the hot pan and heat for 30 seconds.
  7. Add 1 cup of diced pork and cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
  8. Add 1/2 cup of pigeon peas (cooked or canned, drained), 1/4 cup of sliced green olives, and 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers (any color or combination). Toss for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
  9. Add 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old), 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  10. Toss continuously, coating the rice evenly with the oil and breaking up any clumps. Cook until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with a fresh sprig of cilantro.
  12. **Optional:** For a heartier meal, add more pork, serve with fried plantains (tostones), and a side of potato salad.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

9g

Carbs

36g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Puerto Rican North American Rice Caribbean Easy Central American Stove Top Stir Fry Inexpensive Pasta Rice And Grains White Rice Equipment Technique