Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Perico (Venezuelan Scrambled Eggs – Cozy, Fresh & Comforting)

Sarah Smith
Jan 16
2 min read

Scrambled eggs with tomatoes, green peas, and cilantro on a white plate with a arepa. Marble background and fresh cilantro garnish.

Perico is a classic Venezuelan comfort dish made with softly scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Light yet satisfying, it’s the kind of simple, cozy recipe that comes together quickly but feels nourishing and familiar. The vegetables add freshness and color, while the eggs stay tender and creamy — perfect for easy mornings or relaxed meals at home.

Traditionally served inside warm arepas, perico is one of the most popular fillings for breakfast and brunch. It also pairs beautifully with Venezuelan black beans (caraotas negras) or alongside Pabellón Criollo–style shredded beef for a heartier plate. If you’ve already made our Arepas (Warm, Cozy Venezuelan Corn Cakes) or Reina Pepiada (Creamy Chicken & Avocado Filling), this recipe rounds out your Venezuelan-inspired lineup with a fresh, comforting option you’ll come back to often.

Why You’ll Love This

Simple, fresh ingredients
Light yet comforting and filling
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or quick dinners
A classic arepa filling everyone loves

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2–3 servings

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving:

Calories: ~190
Carbohydrates: ~4g
Protein: ~12g
Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~1g
Sugar: ~2g

Ingredients

6 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ small onion, finely diced
½ cup diced tomato (seeds removed if watery)
¼ cup diced bell pepper
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Crack the eggs into a bowl, season lightly with salt and pepper, and whisk until combined.
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 1–2 minutes until just softened.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the eggs.
Gently stir with a spatula, cooking until the eggs are softly set and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Storage & Tips

Storage: Perico is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to keep the eggs soft.

Egg Texture Tip: Cook the eggs low and slow for the creamiest texture — perico should be soft, not dry.

Serving Tip: Serve perico inside warm arepas or alongside sliced avocado and fresh fruit for a cozy breakfast plate.

FAQs

What is Perico? Perico is a traditional Venezuelan scrambled egg dish made with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.

Is perico spicy? No, it’s mild and family-friendly. You can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.

Can I add cheese? Yes. While not traditional, a little queso fresco or shredded cheese is delicious.

Is this only for breakfast? Not at all. Perico is often enjoyed for quick lunches or light dinners as well.

Final Thoughts

Perico is proof that simple ingredients can create deeply comforting food. Soft, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s the perfect companion to warm homemade arepas and a wonderful addition to your Venezuelan-inspired recipe collection.