I am excited to decode my abuela’s (grandmother’s) recipe for you all, invite you into our family traditions, and share the joy of cooking this staple Puerto Rican dish. The white rice, fluffy and subtly flavored, pairs remarkably well with nearly every meal, be it a robust lechón asado (roast pork) or a hearty bowl of asopao de pollo (chicken soup).
In this article, I’ll be your guide—taking you step by step through the process and revealing the secrets behind achieving that perfect, fluffy Puerto Rican white rice.
How to make Puerto Rican White Rice
Puerto Rican white rice is made from long-grain rice that is boiled in water, then drained and cooled. It is typically served as a side dish to other Puerto Rican dishes, such as beans and pork chops.
What is Puerto Rican rice made of?
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 3- 3.5 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or achiote oil (for color)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 4-5 whole black peppercorns (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove any excess starch. This will ensure your rice is fluffy and separate.
- In a large pot or caldero (traditional cooking pot in Puerto Rico), heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot, sauté it until it’s soft and fragrant but not browned. This will infuse the oil with a subtle garlic flavor.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot and stir it to make sure every grain is coated with the oil. Cook while stirring for about a minute.
- Add water, salt, and whole peppercorns (if using) to the pot. Stir once to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot.
- Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.
- After the water has been absorbed, stir the rice through to lift the grains at the bottom of the pot to the top.
- Cover again and cook for another 10 – 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Tips for Perfect Puerto Rican White Rice
- The correct ratio of water to rice is critical. For classic white rice, we often use a little more water than the standard one-to-one ratio to ensure the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
- Using a caldero or a heavy-bottomed cooking pot can help to distribute heat evenly and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the rice does stick a little, don’t worry! In Puerto Rico, the crispy bottom layer is called pegao, and it’s a highly coveted part of the dish.
- Avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking. Disturbing the rice can cause it to become sticky.
What to serve with
Puerto Rican white rice is an incredibly versatile side dish that can be paired with numerous entrees and proteins, seamlessly blending in with the unique flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. Here are some popular and mouth-watering dishes that complement white rice beautifully.
1. Lechón Asado (Roast Pork)
Probably the most iconic Puerto Rican dish, lechón asado is a marinated, slow-roasted whole pig that’s cooked for hours until the meat is succulent and the skin is crispy. Puerto Rican white rice paired with lechón asado makes for a memorable, hearty meal that truly showcases the island’s rich culinary traditions.
2. Habichuelas Guisadas (Stewed Beans)
Habichuelas guisadas, or stewed beans, are a flavorful Puerto Rican dish made by simmering beans (such as red, pink, or pinto) in a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs, spices, and sometimes bacon or ham. A scoop of white rice topped with these comforting, savory beans creates a colorful and satisfying dish enjoyed by people of all ages.
3. Pollo Guisado (Braised Chicken)
This braised chicken dish features tender, succulent pieces of chicken simmered in a fragrant sauce of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. The rich flavors of pollo guisado create the perfect counterpart to the milder taste of Puerto Rican white rice.
4. Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks)
Carne frita consists of marinated pork chunks that are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The crunchy texture and savory flavors of the pork chunks pair exceptionally well with fluffy white rice, the combination offering a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
5. Bistec Encebollado (Steak and Onions)
This classic Puerto Rican dish features thin-cut beef steak marinated in a tangy adobo mixture and cooked with plenty of caramelized onions. The zesty flavors of bistec encebollado contrast wonderfully with the subtle notes of the Puerto Rican white rice, creating a balance that’s incredibly satisfying.
6. Pastelón (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Pastelón is a unique, delicious Puerto Rican lasagna made with layers of sweet plantains, seasoned ground beef, and cheese. Served alongside white rice, the dish offers a variety of textures and a mix of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you craving more.
Final thoughts
This Puerto Rican white rice recipe will pair nicely with any of your favorite Puerto Rico recipes, and it’s very easy to make!
More on Puerto Rican Dishes:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 3- 3.5 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or achiote oil (for color)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 4-5 whole black peppercorns (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove any excess starch. This will ensure your rice is fluffy and separate.
- In a large pot or caldero (traditional cooking pot in Puerto Rico), heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot, sauté it until it's soft and fragrant but not browned. This will infuse the oil with a subtle garlic flavor.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot and stir it to make sure every grain is coated with the oil. Cook while stirring for about a minute.
- Add water, salt, and whole peppercorns (if using) to the pot. Stir once to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot.
- Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.
- After the water has been absorbed, stir the rice through to lift the grains at the bottom of the pot to the top.
- Cover again and cook for another 10 - 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.