Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Curtido Slaw
Golden pan-fried pupusas stuffed with seasoned refried beans, served alongside a tangy, fermented cabbage curtido slaw for a classic Salvadoran balance. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, refried beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium, grated carrot
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups warm water, mixing with your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms, about 3 minutes. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare curtido by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Toss well and let sit at room temperature while pupusas cook.
- Step 3: Divide dough into 8 equal balls. Flatten each into a 4-inch disk, place 2 tbsp refried beans in the center, then fold edges over filling and gently press to seal. Flatten each stuffed ball into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
- Step 4: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Fry each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy on edges. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Serve pupusas hot with the curtido slaw on the side for a vibrant, tangy contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Curtido Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Curtido Slaw?
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 masa harina from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Curtido Slaw?
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 Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Curtido Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Beans and Curtido Slaw vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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