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Taiwan meets Puerto Rico-English



Taitung, Taiwan. Photo by Erica Lin

We could be talking for hours about the similarities between Taiwan and Puerto Rico: two beautiful islands on opposite sides of the planet. Islands that are rich in culture, natural resources, history, politics, gastronomy, and the warmth of their people. Islanders.


Taiwan and Puerto Rico share a magnificent combination of city life and nature alike. In other words, in both countries, you can enjoy the views of the cities with tall and interesting buildings and attractions such as museums, shopping centers, active nightlife, endless restaurants and entertainment venues. Although there are no skyscrapers in Puerto Rico like in Taipei, it still has attractions and places that will catch your interest.



Culebra, Puerto Rico. Photo by Infinite Lola

Both islands are part of an archipelago. If you are in Puerto Rico, you can visit the beautiful islands of Vieques and Culebra. Both islands have wonderful beaches that will leave you yearning for more. In Taiwan, you can visit Kinmen Island and enjoy the history of the country through its attractions.


In Taiwan, you can go to Maokong, ride the cable car, and see different places of interest such as the Zoach temple If you enjoy going to the mountains and to explore nature and its greenery. In Puerto Rico, you can have an adrenaline rush, while enjoying the greenery of the center of the island and its mountains if you go to the town known as the heart of Puerto Rico, Orocovis, where resides the longest zip line in the world.


Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan and El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico share comparable beauty too. There are many more similarities between them , such as the hot springs in Beitou in Taiwan and Coamo in Puerto Rico, also parks, beaches, lakes, mountains, and food. Their magical gastronomies are so extensive that they please even the most demanding palates.



Taitung, Taiwan. Photo by Erica Lin

Orocovis, Puerto Rico. Photo by Infinite Lola

Today we are going to bring these two wonderful cultures closer together through food. We have the Three cup chicken from Taiwan and tostones de pana from Puerto Rico, finishing the meal with a key element in both cultures, white rice.


Here I share my recipe for this delicious dish that, I am sure, you will love.


Puerto Rican style white rice:


2 cups of water

2 cups of white rice (medium grain)

a splash of oil (about a tablespoon)


Three-cup Chicken:


• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, diced and marinated to taste (I used breasts, but you can also use thighs I marinated the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, and bell peppers.)

• sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

• garlic (to taste)

• soy sauce*

• Chinese wine rice

• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

• 1 bunch of basil


*You can use dark soy sauce if you want a darker color on your chicken.


Instructions:


-In a non-stick pan add two teaspoons of sesame oil and ginger. Mix well.

-Once the oil and ginger are mixed, add the garlic. I used two tablespoons of ground garlic and mix well and quickly you will feel the aroma.

-Add the chicken and combine it with the mixture of oil, ginger, and garlic.

-Then add the sugar, a cup of soy sauce and Chinese wine rice (I used about ¼ cup), and ½ cup of sesame oil. Combine the ingredients well and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.

-Add the basil and continue cooking for 10 minutes.

-Taste and if you need to add more of any of the ingredients you can do it now.


Serve with the rice and the tostones.


A comer.

Buen provecho.

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