Vegan Boricua

Vegan Puerto Rican-Style BBQ Chicken with Authentic Sofrito and Adobo Flavors

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Sofrito

Vegan Puerto Rican-Style BBQ “Chicken” – A Delicious Twist on a Classic

In the vibrant world of Puerto Rican cuisine, flavors are as rich as the island’s history. Today, we’re going to give a traditional Korean BBQ chicken recipe a stunning Puerto Rican vegan makeover, blending the best of both worlds to create a dish that’s both authentic and innovative.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the trio of flavors that make Puerto Rican cuisine so unique: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito. These blends are the heart and soul of the island’s cooking, each with its own history and purpose.

  • Sazón: This spice mix, with its distinctive annatto for color and flavor, adds a golden-red hue and depth to dishes like rice, stews, and proteins.
  • Adobo: A versatile dry rub that enhances and tenderizes proteins with bold, savory flavors. It’s perfect for grilled or roasted proteins and vegetables.
  • Sofrito: A fresh herb-and-vegetable blend that forms the aromatic base of countless dishes, from rice to beans and stews.

Vegan Puerto Rican-Style BBQ “Chicken”

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of extra-firm tofu or tempeh, drained and cut into thin strips
    • Note: TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) is also a great option and is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico.
  • 1/4 cup of Sofrito (see below for recipe)
  • 2 tbsp of Adobo (see below for recipe)
  • 1 tsp of Sazón (see below for recipe)
  • 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce (make sure it’s vegan)
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of mixed bell peppers, sliced
  • A splash of vinegar (to balance flavors)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Sofrito Recipe:

  • 1 bunch of culantro (recao leaves)
  • 1 bunch of cilantro
  • 6–8 ají dulce peppers (or substitute with cubanelle or bell peppers)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 head of garlic, peeled
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2–3 ripe tomatoes or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (optional)

Roughly chop all ingredients and blend in a food processor until smooth. Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.

Adobo Recipe:

  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealed container.

Sazón Recipe:

  • 1 tbsp ground annatto (achiote)
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu or Tempeh:

    • Rub the tofu or tempeh strips generously with Adobo, making sure they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Sauté the Sofrito:

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of Sofrito and sauté until the mixture is fragrant and slightly caramelized.

  3. Add Aromatics:

    • Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.

  4. Add the Bell Peppers:

    • Add the mixed bell peppers and cook until they start to soften.

  5. Cook the Tofu or Tempeh:

    • Add the marinated tofu or tempeh to the skillet. Cook until it is golden brown on all sides.

  6. Add BBQ Sauce and Sazón:

    • Pour in the BBQ sauce and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Sazón over the tofu or tempeh. Stir well to combine.

  7. Finish with a Splash of Vinegar:

    • Add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors and enhance the dish.

  8. Season and Serve:

    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Cultural Significance and Vibrant Flavors

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. The Sofrito adds a depth of flavor that connects us to the island’s Taíno, Spanish, and African roots. The Adobo enhances the protein with bold, savory flavors that are quintessentially Puerto Rican. And the Sazón gives it that distinctive golden-red hue and earthy flavor that makes every bite feel like a taste of home.

Whether you’re a native Puerto Rican or just a lover of vibrant flavors, this Vegan Puerto Rican-Style BBQ “Chicken” is sure to delight your senses and leave you wanting more. So go ahead, take a culinary journey to the heart of Puerto Rico, and savor the magic of its flavors.

  1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials

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