Pan-Fried Salvadoran Pupusas with Queso and Curtido

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

Traditional Salvadoran stuffed corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, served alongside tangy fermented cabbage slaw called curtido. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 40 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 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1/2 tsp salt, and gradually mix in 1 1/4 cups warm water until a soft dough forms, kneading for 2 minutes until smooth and pliable.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, toss 2 cups finely shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt; cover and let it ferment at room temperature for at least 1 hour to create curtido.
  3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls, flatten each into a 4-inch disc, place 2 tbsp crumbled queso fresco in the center, then fold and seal the edges before gently flattening again to about 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges, with melted cheese inside.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm pupusas immediately with a generous side of curtido to balance the richness with bright acidity.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Queso 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Queso 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Queso 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 Salvadoran Pupusas with Queso 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.

Related recipes