Sheilin & Jalisa - Jibarito

After visiting a Caribbean restaurant called Top Mix, we decided to make a Jibarito, a sandwich that shares many ingredients with one of our favorites, mofongo, but retains more moisture and flavor.

The Jibarito is a unique sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread. It features aioli and a filling that typically includes meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The dish offers a satisfying mix of textures: the crunch of the plantains, the chewiness of the steak, the richness of the aioli, and a burst of flavor from the chimichurri sauce.

Although the Jibarito is deeply connected to Puerto Rican culture, it actually originated in Chicago’s Humboldt Park in 1996. Juan “Peter” Figueroa created it after hearing a Venezuelan cook talk about a similar sandwich called a patacón. The name "Jibarito" comes from "jíbaro," a term referring to rural Puerto Rican natives, and loosely translates to “little yokel.”

Our team had a great time making this dish, enjoying how different components came together to create something truly special. We love that the Jibarito is a sandwich with a Caribbean twist, made with many different spices, flavors and textures which make the dish unique.