Pan-Fried Pupusas with Tangy Curtido Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Corn masa cakes stuffed with melted cheese and seasoned pork, pan-fried until golden and served with a bright, tangy fermented cabbage slaw. This latin american-inspired street food ready in about 60 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups masa harina, 1 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water until a soft dough forms; let rest for 10 minutes until pliable.
  2. Step 2: For the curtido slaw, combine 3 cups shredded white cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl; toss well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to develop tangy flavors.
  3. Step 3: Divide masa dough into 8 equal balls; flatten each into a 4-inch disc. Place 2 tbsp cooked ground pork and 2 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold dough around filling and flatten gently into a 5-inch thick disc.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tbsp vegetable oil; fry each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy on edges.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm pupusas alongside chilled curtido slaw for a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and tangy tastes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pupusas with Tangy Curtido Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 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 Tangy 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 Tangy 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 Tangy 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.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Pupusas with Tangy Curtido Slaw?

Latin American street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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