Buñuelos de Ajo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy fried doughnuts infused with garlic, citrus zest, and a hint of anise for a sweet-spicy finish. This puerto rican-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 Puerto Rican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs, then gradually add 1 cup milk until the batter is smooth.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp anise extract. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, forming small rounds. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp, turning occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Drain on paper towels and serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buñuelos de Ajo take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buñuelos de Ajo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buñuelos de Ajo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buñuelos de Ajo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buñuelos de Ajo?

Puerto Rican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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