Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Black Beans and Curtido

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Salvadoran corn masa patties stuffed with cheese and refried black beans, served with tangy fermented cabbage slaw. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, cooked black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina with 1 1/4 cups warm water, stirring until soft dough forms. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mash 1 cup cooked black beans with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp salt until mostly smooth.
  3. Step 3: Divide masa dough into 8 equal balls (about 3 oz each). Flatten one ball into a 4-inch thick disc. Place 2 tbsp shredded quesillo cheese and 1 1/2 tbsp bean mash in the center. Fold edges over filling and gently flatten into a 1/2-inch thick disc, sealing filling inside.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and edges crisp, carefully flipping to avoid breaking.
  5. Step 5: To make curtido, combine 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1 small thinly sliced onion, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Toss well and let ferment at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot pupusas with a generous side of curtido for a balanced, traditional Salvadoran meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pupusas with Refried Black Beans and Curtido take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Black Beans and Curtido?

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 Black Beans and Curtido?

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 Black Beans and Curtido 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 Black Beans and Curtido 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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