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    Home » Puerto Rican Recipes » Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks)

    Published: Jul 25, 2019 Modified: Jul 12, 2024 by Catherine Arena 20 Comments

    Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks)

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    Carne Frita (Puerto Rican Fried Pork Chunks) Pinterest image.
    Carne Frita (Puerto Rican Fried Pork Chunks) Pinterest image.

    Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks) are succulent pieces of pork, seasoned and marinated in traditional Puerto Rican spices, then fried to golden perfection. This delicious dish is often served with a delectable garlic sauce. Served alone or with garlic tostones, pigeon peas and rice, or on top of mofongo.

    Carne frita served in a white platter with a side of garlic dipping sauce.

    This Puerto Rican staple is also known as “Masitas,” “Masitas de Puerco,” or “Masitas de Cerdo.” These names all refer to the same delectable fried pork chunks! “Masitas” translates to “little chunks,” emphasizing the bite-sized pieces of pork. The terms “de Puerco” and “de Cerdo” both mean “of pork,” with “puerco” and “cerdo” being interchangeable words for pig in Spanish. These delicious morsels have a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Enjoy this dish as a flavorful appetizer or serve it beside a side dish for a complete meal.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Pork Dishes You Will Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Reasons to Love this Recipe

    • Authentic Flavor: This recipe uses traditional spices and the marination process infuses the pork producing authentic “masitas.”
    • Crispy and Juicy: Frying the pork chunks creates a perfect crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior, making each bite incredibly delicious.
    • Versatile Dish: Serve this dish in numerous ways. Enjoy it as an appetizer with a garlic dipping sauce. Serve it as a main course with a side of rice and beans, or as a topping for mofongo.
    • Easy to Make: Despite the savory flavors, this recipe is quite straightforward! Easy to follow and cook for all cook levels.
    • Everyone Loves this Dish: Its soo delicious, you could never fail satisfying even picky eaters with this dish!
    • Cultural Experience: If you have ever wanted to create an authentic Puerto Rican dish, this recipe is a delicious and easy recipe to create at home.

    Ingredients

    Image of ingredients to make the Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks).
    • Pork – You can use pork shoulder or pork butt.
    • Sazón with Annatto – If you have never used sazón, it is a vibrant blend of spices that adds a rich, savory flavor to Latin dishes and is especially used in Puerto Rican dishes.
    • Oregano – Oregano is a key ingredient in this dish that adds an earthy almost smoky flavor to “masitas.”
    • Garlic – Garlic adds such robust flavor and is essential to this dish. If you’re not a fan of garlic, this dish may not be for you, as it relies heavily on it.

    See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Meat Substitution: While this dish is traditionally made with pork, you can try making chicharrones de pollo (chicken fritters) as a delicious alternative if you prefer chicken.
    • Paprika: If you can’t find traditional Puerto Rican spices like adobo or sazón, use paprika with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
    • Citrus Marinade: Use a mix of orange and lime juice in the marinade for a tangy twist.

    Instructions

    Image of steps one through three to make carne frita (fried pork chunks).

    Step 1: Add the pork chunks to a mixing bowl and season it with the adobo, sazon, garlic puree, oregano, oil and vinegar (Image 1). 

    Step 2: Mix the pieces well and allow to marinate for one hour or overnight in the refrigerator (Image 2).

    Step 3: Heat a large pan over medium high heat with about 2 inches of oil. Allow the oil to heat. Once heated through, add a few pieces of pork at a time to fry (Image 3). Cook the pork chunks on one side for 5-7 minutes and then carefully flip each piece over. Cook for another 5-7 minutes. Note: Be careful when adding the pieces to the hot oil to avoid splattering.

    Drain pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the carne frita with the garlic dipping sauce (recipe in recipe card below) and a few lime wedges.

    Expert Tips

    • Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful and tender pork pieces, marinate the pork overnight. This allows the spices and seasonings to fully penetrate the pork chunks.
    • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy, greasy pork chunks instead of crispy ones.
    • Rest the Pork: After frying, let the pork chunks rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the pork crispy while allowing the excess oil to drain away without trapping moisture.
    • Serve with Fresh Lime: Serve the pork with fresh lime wedges. A squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy brightness that’s balances fried pork.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use a different type of meat for Carne Frita?

    Yes, while this dish is traditionally made with pork, you can substitute it with chicken (chicharrones de pollo) or beef for a different flavor.

    How long should I marinate the pork?

    For the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal. This allows the spices and seasonings to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

    What should I serve this dish with?

    This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Arroz con gandules apastelado, tostones (fried green plantains), mofongo, or a fresh salad. A garlic dipping sauce or mojo sauce also pairs well with it.

    Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    Yes, you can marinate the pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture, fry the pork just before serving. However, leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain some crispiness.

    What if I don’t have traditional Puerto Rican spices?

    If you don’t have adobo or sazón, you can create a similar blend using common spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, and paprika.

    Can I cook Carne Frita in an air fryer?

    Yes, you can use an air fryer for a healthier version. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the marinated pork chunks in a single layer for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

    Other Pork Dishes You Will Love

    • Lomo Relleno served on top of a white platter with a side of gravy.
      Lomo Relleno
    • Empanadas de Yuca served on a plate with a side of arroz con gandules, pernil and a side of avocado.
      Empanadas de Yuca
    • Chuletas a la Jardinera served on a large white platter with lime wedges and a side of white rice.
      Chuletas a la Jardinera
    • Paleta de Cerdo (Boston Butt) served on a white platter with potatoes, corn cobs, onions and carrots.
      Paleta de Cerdo

    Did you try this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ review below!

    Click any of the images in the post to PIN this Recipe and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

    📖 Recipe

    Carne frita served in a white platter with a side of garlic dipping sauce.

    Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks)

    Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks) are delicious pork chunks that are seasoned and marinated in Puerto Rican spices and then fried to golden perfection. Served with a delicious garlic sauce. Carne Frita can be served in several dishes for complete meals or as an appetizer.
    4.47 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: Puerto Rican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Marinating Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 823kcal
    Author: Catherine Arena

    Ingredients

    • 3½ lb pork shoulder or pork butt rinsed and cut into 1 ½ inch chunks
    • 2 packets sazon with annatto
    • 2 teaspoon adobo
    • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 10 teaspoon garlic puree
    • 5½ tablespoon vegetable oil
    • ½ cup vinegar
    • vegetable or canola oil for frying
    • 1 lime (optional) cut into wedges

    Garlic Dipping Sauce

    • 2 garlic cloves peeled
    • ¼ cup olive oil

    Instructions

    Cut and Season Pork

    • Rinse the pork and cut it into 1 ½ inch chunks, keeping the fat on for a tastier and juicier result.
    • Add the pork chunks to a mixing bowl and season it with the adobo, sazon, garlic puree, oregano, oil and vinegar. 
      Mix the pieces well and allow to marinate for one hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

    Cooking Pork

    • Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with about 2 inches of oil. Allow the oil to heat. Once heated through, add a few pieces of pork at a time to fry. Cook the pork chunks on one side for about 5-7 minutes and then carefully flip each piece over. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
      Drain pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the carne frita with the garlic dipping sauce and a few lime wedges.

    Garlic Dipping Sauce

    • While the pork is frying, add the garlic and oil to a blender and blend until smooth.

    Notes

    Recipe Notes:
    Garlic Puree: If you do not have garlic puree, add ten garlic cloves, with three tablespoons of oil to a blender. Blend until a paste forms.  
    Frying: For a richer, more flavorful taste, fry the pork chunks in lard if you can find it at your local market.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4 | Calories: 823kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 91g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 238mg | Sodium: 264mg | Potassium: 1.588mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Click the stars above or below to rate or leave a comment down below!

    More Puerto Rican Recipes

    • Empanadillas de Guayaba on a gray plate.
      Empanadillas de Guayaba
    • Alcapurrias de Yuca (Cassava Fritters) sitting on top of plantain leaves with a side of hot sauce.
      Authentic Alcapurrias de Yuca
    • Flancocho (Vanilla Flan Cake) served on a white transparent platter with a serving on the side.
      Puerto Rican Flancocho
    • Alcapurrias (alcapurrias puertorriqueñas) served on a white platter with hot sauce.
      Homemade Alcapurrias

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. EV says

      February 11, 2025 at 9:49 pm

      First time making carne frita. Great taste and clear instructions. Everyone loved it, including the garlic dipping sauce.

      Reply
    2. Larry says

      December 10, 2024 at 3:34 pm

      I grew up in Chicago, and about 2 blocks away from me was a Mom and Pop Puerto Rican Bodega. It had everything you would expect, including made in store Carne Frita sold by the pound. Little did I know that this was to be the start of my culinary love of Mexican, Puerto Rican and Latin Foods.

      I would buy a couple of pounds, and the owners always gave me some Salsa Fresca to go with it. I would get it home, still hot, and this, along with some fried plantains and cerveza would be my dinner.

      I live in Houston now, and have not been able to find any Puerto Rican bodegas here, since it is more Mexican in Texas, so when I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it! And as soon as I sat down at the table with my wife (Mexican born and raised), she was ecstatic and so was I! Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe! And yes, I served it with Salsa Fresca and fried plantains and of course Cerveza. I was transported back to my years in Chicago even though I have been gone for 45 years now.

      Larry

      Reply
    3. John says

      August 05, 2022 at 5:33 am

      The longer the pork pieces marinate the tastier the results. Wait until oil (lard better) is hot before frying, crispier & crunchier results. 5*

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        August 06, 2022 at 8:32 pm

        Thanks for commenting John! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Chloe guy says

      July 24, 2022 at 4:42 pm

      How would I convert the recipe for a less amount of meat

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        July 25, 2022 at 7:15 pm

        Hello Chloe! If you look all the way down at the end of the post, you will see the recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions, there you will also see the, “Prep Time,” “Cook Time,” “Total Time,” and “Servings.” Click the number for the amount of Servings and a slider will appear to allow you to adjust for a smaller amount. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!

        Reply
    5. Cesar Sanchez Baez says

      July 21, 2022 at 12:31 am

      Absolutely delicious! Recipe is perfect! I personally like my carne frita salty and more strong on the vinegar side so I add a bit more of adobo/sazon and vinegar. Either way I truly recommend it! 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        July 21, 2022 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you Cesar for the kind words! So happy to hear you really enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to let me know, comment and rate recipe!

        Reply
    6. Heather says

      June 23, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      my sister made these for my Puerto Rican themed birthday party this weekend. She brought the first bowl in from the fryer and they never made it to the serving table! Didn’t even have a dipping sauce, but we at them up!!!

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        June 24, 2020 at 2:50 am

        Aww Heather this comment warms my heart! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and the sweet compliment. I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed this recipe so much! Happy Birthday!!!

        Reply
    7. Angela says

      September 01, 2019 at 8:52 am

      What a delicious recipe with so many options! Loving all of these tasty flavors. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:55 pm

        Thank you Angela!

        Reply
    8. Amy | The Cook Report says

      September 01, 2019 at 8:48 am

      I definitely need to try this, sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:56 pm

        Thanks Amy!

        Reply
    9. Ellen says

      September 01, 2019 at 8:13 am

      What a great recipe for a game day party! I can’t wait to try it, especially the garlic dipping sauce!

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:57 pm

        Thanks Ellen! If you love pork, you will love these!!

        Reply
    10. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      September 01, 2019 at 8:00 am

      These look SO good! I am definitely going to be trying these!

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:58 pm

        Thanks Bintu!

        Reply
    11. Tisha says

      September 01, 2019 at 4:56 am

      These look incredible I love how versatile they are!

      Reply
      • Cathy says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:58 pm

        Thank you Tisha!

        Reply
    4.47 from 41 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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