This Pupusas Recipe (Pork & Cheese) with Curtido & Salsa is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making over and over again. It's simple, delicious, and always gets rave reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, you're going to love how easy and tasty this turns out!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is masa harina and where can I buy it?
Masa harina is corn flour made from dried corn kernels treated with lime (nixtamalization). Find it in the Latin foods aisle — Maseca is the most popular brand.
2. What is the difference between pupusas and tortillas?
Pupusas are thicker, stuffed with filling, and cooked on a griddle until crispy outside. Tortillas are thin, flat, and unfilled. Pupusas are from El Salvador, tortillas from Mexico.
3. What fillings are traditional for pupusas?
Revueltas (pork and cheese), frijoles con queso (beans and cheese), and plain queso are the three classic fillings. Loroco (a Central American flower bud) with cheese is also traditional.
4. How do I make curtido (Salvadoran cabbage slaw)?
Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with white vinegar, oregano, and salt. Let it ferment at room temperature for a few hours or overnight for the tangiest flavor.
5. Why are my pupusas cracking when I fill them?
The dough may be too dry. Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough is smooth and pliable like Play-Doh. It should not crack when you press it flat.
6. How thick should pupusas be?
About ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. Too thin and they will tear when filled. Too thick and the inside will not cook through. Think slightly thicker than a tortilla.
7. What temperature should I cook pupusas at?
Medium heat on a lightly oiled griddle or comal. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and the cheese is melted inside.
8. Can I make pupusa dough ahead of time?
Yes, wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before shaping, and add a splash of water if it has dried out.
9. What is the red sauce served with pupusas?
Salsa roja — a simple Salvadoran tomato sauce made by blending roasted tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. It is thinner than Mexican salsa and mildly spicy.
10. Can I freeze uncooked pupusas?
Yes, place assembled pupusas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen with an extra minute per side.
Watch How to Make This
Pupusas Recipe (Pork & Cheese) with Curtido & Salsa
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, onion, and carrots. Pour the boiling water over the vegetables and toss. Let sit 10 minutes, then drain. Combine vinegar, oregano, and salt. Pour over the slaw and toss to coat. Chill at least 20 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Add tomatoes, garlic, onion, jalapeños, oregano, and salt to a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer to a skillet over medium heat and cook 5-6 minutes until some liquid reduces. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine masa flour, warm water, salt, and oil. Knead until smooth and pliable, about 2 minutes. The dough should feel like soft Play-Doh. Cover with a damp towel.
- In a pot, combine pork, achiote paste, tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 45 minutes until tender. Shred the pork and mix back into the reduced sauce.
- Take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and flatten it in your palm into a disc. Add a spoonful of pork and cheese in the center. Fold the edges up and over the filling, seal, and gently flatten into a thick disc about ¼ inch thick.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook pupusas 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown with light charring.
- Serve hot with curtido and salsa on the side.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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