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Yuca con Chicharrón (Cassava with Fried Pork)

Salvadoran Yuca con Chicharrón (Cassava with Fried Pork)

Crispy fried pork belly paired with tender boiled yuca and optional curtido slaw. Savoury, tangy, and rich with garlic, lime, and spice.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Salvadoran
Servings 4
Calories 972 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling yuca)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Paper towels​ (for draining)

Ingredients
  

For the Yuca:

  • 2 lbs 1 kg fresh yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Water enough to cover yuca in a pot

For the Chicharrón:

  • 1 lb 450 g pork belly, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Curtido (Optional Pickled Slaw):

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • ½ cup grated carrot
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tbsp vinegar white or apple cider
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • To begin, prepare the yuca. Peel the yuca by slicing off both ends and making a shallow cut down its length to remove the tough outer skin. Cut the peeled yuca into chunks and place them in a large pot. Cover with water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil. Cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes until the yuca is fork tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
  • While the yuca cooks, season the pork belly. In a mixing bowl, combine pork pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, minced garlic, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavours.
  • Heat a heavy bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add enough oil to cover the base generously. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated pork pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • (Optional) Prepare the curtido. In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced red onion. Drizzle with vinegar and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss well and let it sit for 10 minutes to develop its tangy flavour.
  • Reheat the yuca if necessary. In the same skillet used for the pork, remove excess oil, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Briefly sauté the cooked yuca chunks for 2-3 minutes to add a slight crispness and absorb any remaining pork flavours.
  • Arrange the yuca and chicharrón on a serving platter. Optionally, add a portion of curtido on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich pork and starchy yuca.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish for a pop of colour and an added layer of aroma. Place lime wedges around the platter for a final citrusy touch.
  • Serve Yuca con Chicharrón warm, encouraging guests to squeeze lime juice over their portions for an added burst of flavour. Pair with curtido or a favourite salsa for a complete and authentic experience. Enjoy the harmony of crisp, savoury pork and soft, hearty yuca that reflects the traditional flavours of Colombia and El Salvador.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 972kcalCarbohydrates: 91gProtein: 14gFat: 61gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 1246mgPotassium: 947mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2983IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
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