Looking for a quick and tasty snack? Try 1 piece (2-1/2" X 2" X 1") fried pork chunks, Puerto Rican style! This popular traditional Puerto Rican dish is known as carne de cerdo frita or masitas fritas and packs a flavorful punch. With only 103 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free snack option.

Not only is this dish delicious, it also contains a high protein content with 8 grams per serving. Additionally, it's a gluten-free dish, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

In this article, we'll explore why fried pork chunks are the perfect snack, as well as share an easy-to-make recipe that you can enjoy at home.

Traditional Puerto Rican Dish

Fried pork chunks, or masitas fritas, are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. This dish is typically made with bite-sized pieces of pork that are seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, and then fried until crispy. In Puerto Rico, masitas fritas are often served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish with sides like rice and beans. They're also a popular street food, sold from food trucks or kiosks in small paper cones for people to enjoy on the go. No matter how you enjoy them, fried pork chunks are a beloved and iconic Puerto Rican dish that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Perfect for a Quick Snack

Looking for a snack that's quick and easy to make? Fried pork chunks are the perfect option. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying snack in minutes. To make this dish, you'll need pork shoulder or pork belly, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and season with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the pork until it's crispy and golden brown. That's it! Serve your masitas fritas with a squeeze of lime and some hot sauce for an added kick. These pork chunks are also great on their own, making them the perfect snack option.

Crispy and Delicious

One of the best things about fried pork chunks is their crispiness. When fried just right, these pork chunks are perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy and flavorful on the inside. The garlic, salt, and pepper seasoning adds a savory flavor to the pork, making it all the more delicious. Plus, the crispy texture makes it a satisfying snack that's sure to hit the spot. Whether you're enjoying this dish as a snack, appetizer, or main course, you'll love the combination of flavors and textures in each bite.

High Protein Content

Did you know that 1 piece (2-1/2" X 2" X 1") fried pork chunks contain 8 grams of protein? That's a considerable amount for a snack. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body, making it an important nutrient to consume in your diet. Whether you're a meat-eater looking for a protein-rich snack or simply want to add more protein to your diet, fried pork chunks are an excellent choice. They're also a good source of iron and vitamin B-12, which are important for maintaining healthy blood cells and energy levels. Not only are these pork chunks delicious, they're also a nutritious snack option.

Easy to Make Recipe

If you're new to cooking or simply looking for an easy recipe, fried pork chunks are a great option. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make this tasty dish. To start, you'll need to gather your ingredients: pork shoulder or pork belly, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and season with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the pork until crispy and golden brown. That's it! Serve your masitas fritas with a squeeze of lime and some hot sauce for an added kick. This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious – the perfect combination!

Ideal for Parties and Gatherings

If you're hosting a party or gathering, fried pork chunks make a great appetizer or snack for your guests. They're easy to make and can be served hot or at room temperature. For an added touch, serve your masitas fritas with a variety of dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, or aioli. Your guests will love the crispy texture and savory flavor of these pork chunks, and you'll love how easy they are to prepare. No matter what the occasion, fried pork chunks are a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will enjoy.

Great for Sharing with Friends and Family

Fried pork chunks are a great dish to share with friends and family. They're easy to make in large quantities, and their bite-sized pieces make them perfect for passing around. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or having friends over for a game night, these pork chunks will be a hit. Serve with some rice and beans or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Sharing food is a great way to bring people together, and these masitas fritas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets

If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, it can be challenging to find snack options that are safe to eat. Fortunately, fried pork chunks are a gluten-free dish, making them a great snack option for those with dietary restrictions. Just make sure to check the label of any seasonings or sauces you use to make sure they're also gluten-free. To be safe, you can also make your own seasoning blend at home using garlic, salt, and pepper. Everyone deserves a tasty and satisfying snack, and fried pork chunks are a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Good Source of Iron and Vitamin B-12

In addition to being a good source of protein, fried pork chunks are also high in iron and vitamin B-12. Iron is important for maintaining healthy blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout your body, while vitamin B-12 is essential for energy and brain function. If you're looking to add more iron and vitamin B-12 to your diet, fried pork chunks are a great option. Just make sure to balance them out with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Enjoy these masitas fritas as a snack or with a meal, and reap the nutritional benefits!

Pairs Well with Rice and Beans

In Puerto Rican cuisine, fried pork chunks are often served with rice and beans as a complete meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is unbeatable. To make this meal, simply prepare your rice and beans according to your favorite recipe, and serve alongside your fried pork chunks. You can also add some plantains or avocado for added flavor and nutrition. Whether you're enjoying this dish as a snack or as a complete meal, rice and beans are a great accompaniment that will take your masitas fritas to the next level.