Arepas are a traditional Venezuelan dish that has become increasingly popular recently.
They make a great meal for any time of day, and there are lots of amazing dish ideas for what to serve with arepas.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best dishes to serve with arepas so you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Whether you’re looking for something to serve with a savory arepa or something to pair with a sweet one, you’re sure to find something here!
Below is the list of what to serve with arepas!
1. Bandeja Paisa
This is the first on our list of what to serve with Arepas. A classic Colombian dish to serve with arepas is the bandeja paisa. This hearty platter features various kinds of protein, beans, and plantains.
It is perfect for sharing or for a hungry appetite. The most common ingredients in a bandeja paisa are ground beef, chorizo, pork, fried egg, white rice, red beans, arepa, avocado, and plantain.
These components are accompanied by various sauces and condiments, such as aji Picante and hogao.
The flavors and textures of a bandeja paisa perfectly complement the crunchy texture and mild taste of an area.
This combination of a comforting stewed meat dish with a starchy side makes for an incredibly satisfying meal that will fill up your belly without leaving you feeling weighed down.
The simple yet flavorful components of this classic Colombian dish make it a great choice for what to serve with arepas.
2. Corn and Pulled Pork
Corn is the perfect side dish to accompany arepas because of its sweetness and crunchy texture. The sweetness of the corn will balance out the savoriness of the arepa, creating a complementary flavor combination.
Plus, it’s easy to make – boil or roast some kernels, and you’re good to go. Mix in some slow-cooked pulled pork to add extra protein and flavor.
The slow-cooked pork will bring out the smoky, succulent flavor of the meat and will pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the corn. Plus, it adds a hearty component to the meal, making it filling and satisfying.
With its sweet and savory flavor combination, Corn and Pulled Pork are what to serve with arepas. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and provides a great balance to the meal.
So the next time you make arepas, consider adding this flavorful side dish to complete your meal.
3. Mexican Tamales
One of the best dishes to serve with arepas is Mexican tamales. Tamales are typically made from corn dough, filled with various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meats, and then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf before being steamed.
The combination of flavor and texture of the tamale combined with the crunchy and chewy arepa makes for a unique and delicious meal.
You can find pre-made tamales at many Latin American grocery stores or make your own at home. Serve with your favorite salsa, and enjoy!
4. Chicken Avocado Salad
Chicken Avocado Salad is the perfect accompaniment to Arepas. This delicious dish combines the richness of avocado with succulent chicken, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal.
The creamy texture of the avocado is contrasted nicely with the crunchiness of the chicken and can be complemented further with a range of fresh vegetables and herbs.
This salad is what to serve with Arepas for a nutritious and filling meal that everyone will love.
5. Garlicky Shrimp
This is the next on our list of what to serve with arepas. Garlicky shrimp is one of the most popular side dishes to serve with arepas.
Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition.
You’ll need shrimp, garlic, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper to make this dish. You’ll sauté the garlic in the olive oil until it’s fragrant, then add the butter and shrimp.
When the shrimp are cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go! Serve it alongside some arepas for a delicious and nutritious meal.
6. Carnitas and Sweet Potato
Arepas are a delicious Venezuelan dish made of cornmeal, salt, and water, which is then cooked on a hot griddle.
They are a staple in Venezuelan cuisine and can be eaten alone or topped with various fillings. To make the perfect arepa meal, pair them with other tasty dishes.
Carnitas and sweet potato are excellent combinations to serve with arepas, adding layers of flavor and texture to the dish.
The sweetness of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the savory carnitas, while their crunchy exterior complements the soft and chewy arepas.
Plus, the preparation is simple, requiring minimal effort for a maximum amount of flavor.
7. Guasacaca Sauce
What to serve with arepas? One of the best sides to serve with arepas is guasacaca sauce. This delicious and tangy sauce is made from avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and other spices that can be adjusted to your taste.
The creamy texture pairs well with the crunchy and hearty arepas and adds an extra flavor punch to the meal. It’s also simple to make and perfect for a quick meal or an elaborate dinner.
8. Roasted Cauliflower
Arepas are a popular Latin American dish made of corn dough that is either baked or fried. They are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile side dish that pairs well with various other dishes.
If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your arepas, roasted cauliflower is an excellent choice! Roasted cauliflower is easy to make and adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal. It’s also a great way to add more vegetables to your plate.
To make it, just cut a head of cauliflower into florets, toss in oil and spices of your choice, then roast in the oven until golden brown and lightly charred. Serve with your arepas for a filling and tasty meal!
9. Chuyaco
Arepas are a popular Latin American dish that has become a staple in many households.
A traditional arepa is made with a cornmeal-based dough that’s shaped into a patty and then either pan-fried or cooked on a griddle.
Arepas are typically served as the main course but can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
What to serve with arepas? Chuyaco is a great option. This Venezuelan dish is made by sautéing onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes until they are lightly caramelized.
The vegetables are then mixed with spices and served over hot arepas. This flavorful side dish provides a delicious accompaniment to the mild taste of the arepas and adds a nice pop of color to the plate.
Chuyaco is a great way to make your arepa experience even more enjoyable.
10. Enyucado
One of the best pairings for arepas is Enyucado, a Venezuelan side dish made of yuca, garlic, onions, and spices.
Enyucado is usually served with pork, beef, or seafood, but it pairs wonderfully with arepas. The creamy texture of the yuca complements the crunchiness of the arepas and adds a delicious flavor to the meal.
To make Enyucado, boil yuca until tender and then mash it together with sautéed onions and garlic. Add your favorite spices and enjoy! Serve it alongside arepas for a truly unique and delicious meal.
Conclusion
Arepas are a delicious and versatile food popular in Latin American countries. They can be served as a side dish or main dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The great thing about arepas is that there are a great variety of side dishes for what to serve with arepas to create a complete meal.
This blog post looked at some of the best dishes to serve with arepas to make a delicious and satisfying meal.
