Pan-Fried Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thick corn tortillas stuffed with melted cheese and seasoned refried beans, pan-fried until golden and served with tangy curtido slaw. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 50 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 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 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, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water. Mix with your hands until a smooth, pliable dough forms, about 2-3 minutes. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the dough rests, prepare the curtido slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set aside to marinate.
  3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls (about 3 oz each). Flatten one ball into a 4-inch disk with your palms. Place 2 tbsp refried black beans and 2 tbsp shredded cheese in the center, then fold the edges over and re-flatten gently into a 5-inch thick tortilla, sealing the filling inside.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is melted.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot pupusas immediately with the tangy curtido slaw on the side for a traditional Salvadoran street food experience.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (30 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans?

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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans?

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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Cheese and Refried Beans 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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