Jibarito

This Puerto Rican jibarito sandwich recipe makes the perfect lunch or dinner. The green plantains are perfectly fried until crispy. Churrasco skirt steak is thinly sliced and pan fried before being served in between tostones, lettuce, onions and tomatoes. Of course, you can’t forget the mayoketchup! Jibaritos are so perfectly easy to make but they definitely do not compromise on the taste. If you enjoyed this jibarito recipe, you will love these Alcapurrias and a big plate of Asopao de Camarones (Shrimp Stew) for dinner.

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What Is A Jibarito?

A jibarito is a Puerto Rican sandwich made of twice fried smashed plantains, meat and all the condiments of your choosing. The history behind jibarito sandwiches is a little bit complicated. Many go back and forth as to whether it originated in a restaurant in Chicago or Puerto Rico. Regardless of the debates that go on behind the scenes, one thing is for sure. Jibaritos are a staple dish in many restaurants in Puerto Rico.

An Explanation Of The Ingredients

• Plantains – Use green plantains for this recipe.
• Skirt Steak – Churrasco skirt steak works very well but can be substituted for your choice of meat.
• Olive Oil – Add olive oil to the steak when seasoning.
• Sazon – Just a little bit of Sazon seasoning goes a long way.
• Adobo – Season the skirt steak on all sides with adobo before pan frying.
• Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce works well but can be substituted.
• Tomatoes – I love fresh garden tomatoes but store bought works just fine.
• Onions – Red onions are perfect for this plantain sandwich recipe but can be substituted for white onions or any onion of your choice.
• Mayoketchup – Make homemade mayoketchup or use store bought if you prefer.

Insert a knife into the edges of the plantains to begin peeling them.

Gently pull back the plantain peel using the knife.

Use the knife to shave off any pieces of the plantain peel that were left behind.

Cut the plantains in half and cut each half down the middle lengthwise.

Pan fry the seasoned churrasco skirt steak.

Fry the plantains for the first time in hot oil.

Smash the plantains then fry in hot oil once again.

How To Make Jibarito (Plantain Sandwich with Steak)

1. First, start by adding enough oil in a pot to submerge the slices of plantains. Heat the oil over medium high heat. The oil should reach a minimum temperature of 350 degrees F. Use a kitchen thermometer like this one to measure the temperature for the most accurate results.
2. Slice the toppings you will be using for the sandwich, lettuce, onions and tomatoes.
3. Slice the skirt steak lengthwise into thinner slices of steak.
4. Tenderize the meat by placing it on a cutting board and covering it with plastic wrap. Gently pound it with a meat mallet.
5. Pat dry the steak and season both sides with olive oil, adobo and Sazon.
6. Peel the plantains, then cut each one in half. Cut each plantain half down the middle lengthwise.
7. Gently place the plantains in the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden. Work in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
8. Transfer the fried plantains to a paper towel lined plate to soak the excess oil
9. Place the plantains in between 2 pieces of parchment paper and smash them with a cutting board or the flat bottom of a plate.
10. Fry the smashed plantains in the hot oil again until crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
11. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate so the excess oil is soaked up.
12. Heat about 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet and cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes or until your desired doneness. Flip halfway through the cooking process.
13. Build your jibarito sandwich. Place the skirt steak, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayoketchup in between 2 fried plantains. Serve and enjoy!

Can I Add Cheese To My Plantain Sandwich?

You can certainly add any condiments or toppings you would like to your jibarito sandwich. I prefer mine with just the traditional lettuce, tomatoes and onions but top it off with some cheese too if you’d like.

Where Can I Find Adobo and Sazon?

Adobo and Sazon can be purchased from most grocery stores in the spice aisle. If you can’t find any, check your local Latin American grocery store and they will definitely carry it. You can also purchase adobo seasoning here and Sazon seasoning here.

What Other Cuts Of Meat Can I Use?

Churrasco skirt steak is my favorite to use for this jibarito recipe. However, you may also use flank steak, shaved shoulder steak, roast beef or any meat of your choice. You can also make jibaritos with chicken or pork.

Tips & Variations

• The measurements for the seasonings used in this recipe are a general guide. Change quantities according to taste.
• Some people like adding cheese to their jibarito sandwich. Add additional toppings according to your preference.
• If you’re new to deep frying, I recommend using a kitchen thermometer like this one to measure the temperature of the oil.
• Use green plantains for this recipe.