If you’ve ever had Puerto Rican carne frita, you already know how irresistible it is! It’s crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. This dish is a true comfort food in Puerto Rican kitchens and one of my family’s absolute favorites.
I decided to make a big batch of carne frita using some country-style ribs I had in the fridge (though pork shoulder works just as well). My husband and kids devoured it, and honestly, I don’t blame them—it tastes like pinchos without the skewer, and every bite is pure deliciousness.
Whether you fry it the traditional way or go for the air fryer version, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
What is Carne Frita?
Carne frita is a popular Puerto Rican dish made of seasoned pork chunks that are fried until golden and crispy. It’s often served with arroz con habichuelas (rice and beans), fried plantains, or simply with dipping sauces like BBQ. It’s the kind of food that brings everyone to the table fast!
Ingredients for Carne Frita
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs pork (country-style ribs or pork shoulder)
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Oil for frying (avocado, vegetable, or canola)
Optional Add-Ins:
- A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar if marinating overnight
- 1 packet of sazón for extra color & flavor
- BBQ sauce for dipping
How to Make Puerto Rican Carne Frita
1. Cut the Pork
If using country-style ribs, trim the meat away from the bones and cut it into 1-inch chunks. Pork shoulder works perfectly too.
2. Season the Meat
Add adobo, paprika, oregano, and turmeric. Mix well until every piece is coated. If you’re not in a rush, let the meat marinate overnight with lemon or vinegar for deeper flavor.
3. Fry the Pork
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot (test with a small piece of pork—it should sizzle), add the chunks.
- Fry for 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Check for Doneness
Pork should reach at least 150°F internally. I always check the largest piece with a meat thermometer just to be safe.
5. Drain & Serve
Place the pork chunks on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil before serving.
Air Fryer Carne Frita Option
Want a lighter version? Cook the pork chunks in the air fryer at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Just keep in mind that if your air fryer is small, you’ll need to cook in batches.
What to Serve with Carne Frita
In Puerto Rico, carne frita is often enjoyed with:
- Arroz con Gandules
- Arroz con habichuelas (Puerto Rican rice and beans)
- Tostones or maduros (fried plantains)
- A simple dipping sauce like BBQ or garlic mayo
For this meal, I paired mine with rice and beans, and let me just say—it was “fire” (in my son’s words 😅).
Puerto Rican carne frita is one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel at home. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Whether you fry it traditionally or make it in the air fryer, I promise it’ll become a family favorite in your home just like it is in mine.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it!
💖 Yessi
Puerto Rican Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs pork country-style ribs or pork shoulder
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut pork into 1-inch chunks.
- Season with adobo, paprika, oregano, and turmeric and mix well.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chunks 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Check temperature (150°F+). Drain on paper towel.
- Serve with rice, beans, or dipping sauce.
