Pan-Fried Salvadoran Pupusas with Curtido Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Salvadoran stuffed corn tortillas pan-fried to golden perfection, served with tangy cabbage curtido slaw. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, shredded mozzarella cheese 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: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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 dough forms that holds together without cracking, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls (about 3 oz each). Flatten each ball into a 4-inch disk using your palms.
  3. Step 3: Place 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tbsp cooked refried black beans in the center of each disk. Fold the edges over the filling and reseal, then gently flatten again into a 5-inch thick tortilla.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry each pupusa for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
  5. Step 5: For curtido slaw, in a separate bowl, mix 2 cups shredded white cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss and let sit for 15 minutes to develop tangy flavor.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot pupusas topped with curtido slaw for a balanced savory and tangy dish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with 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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