Carne Frita Fried Pork Chunks
Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold flavors, Carne Frita Fried Pork Chunks is a must-try dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender chunks of pork shoulder are marinated in a vibrant blend of lime and orange juices, minced garlic, and fragrant spices like oregano and cumin, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. The pork is then fried to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the succulent interior. To elevate the flavor further, the reserved marinade is simmered and used to coat the chunks in a glossy, citrus-infused glaze. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness and serve this Puerto Rican-inspired dish with rice, fried plantains, or a crisp side salad for a well-rounded feast. Ideal for both family dinners and entertaining, this recipe is a celebration of deep, savory flavors and satisfying textures.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Pork shoulder (cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 3 tablespoons Lime juice
- 3 tablespoons Orange juice
- 4 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1.5 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the pork shoulder chunks to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
When ready to cook, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Remove the pork chunks from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Be sure to reserve the marinade as it will be used later.
In small batches, add the pork chunks to the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Once the pork chunks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
After all the pork is fried, discard the used oil in the skillet and wipe it clean. Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it slightly thickens.
Return the fried pork chunks to the skillet and toss them in the reduced marinade, coating them evenly.
Serve the Carne Frita hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with rice, plantains, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4114 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 398.2 g | 511% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.1 g | 450% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 602 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 5213 mg | 227% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 146.9 g | 294% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 168 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 2501 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
