Masas De Puerco Cuban Fried Pork Recipes

MASAS DE PUERCO (CUBAN FRIED PORK)

Steps:

• Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes, removing and discarding as much of the fat as possible.
• In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmery.
• Add the pork pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until nicely golden brown.
• Add the oregano, cumin and minced garlic and sauté about 3 more min, stirring.
• Add the orange juice and beer. The liquid should almost cover the pork. Add more juice if needed.
• Reduce the heat to simmer, cover and let cook until pork is very tender, about 1 hour or so.
• Drain the meat well, and set aside to cool.
• When ready to serve, heat the vegetable oil to 350ºF.
• Add the cooked pork pieces in batches, and deep fry until brown and crisp on the outside.

FRIED PORK CHUNKS (MASITAS DE PUERCO FRITAS)

Steps:

• Sprinkle the meat liberally with salt and pepper. I.
• In a mortar, crush the garlic into a paste and rub the pork with the garlic paste.
• Place the pork in a nonreactive bowl and pour over the orange juice.
• Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
• Drain the pork cubes.
• In a large saucepan, over medium heat, heat 2 inches of oil until very hot but not smoking, then add the pork cubes, without crowding them, raise the heat to high, and brown the cubes, turning with a slotted spoon. (The pork will release some moisture, lowering the oil temperature considerably.)
• When oil temperature rises again, lower the heat a little and cook the cubes, turning frequently, until they are a rich, golden brown, another 10 minutes.
• Occasionally turn up the heat when necessary to crisp the cubes.
• As the cubes are finished, transfer them to a paper-towel-lined platter to drain; keep warm in a 200ºF oven until all the cubes are fried. (Placing the chunks in oven will make them nice and crispy).
• Serve immediately, with Moros y Cristianos (Black Beans and Rice) and Mojo Criollo (Creole Garlic Sauce).

CHICHARRONES (PORK CRACKLIN'S)

Steps:

• Rub the pork belly with the salt and let sit for 1 hour.
• Rinse well under cold water, pat dry, and cut into roughly 2x½" (5x1.5-cm) chunks.
• In a heavy pan, melt the lard over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and bay leaves. Stir well for 2 minutes, then add the pork belly. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes, turning the meat every 15 minutes.
• Increase the heat and sear every side of the pork pieces over high heat for a further 15 minutes. Remove the pork and cut it into smaller chunks. Serve hot with lime wedges.