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Chicharrones Puertorriqueños

A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Chicharrones are shatteringly crisp chunks of pork belly fried until the skin puffs into golden blisters.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 40 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Chicharrones Puertorriqueños - Portoricain recipe

A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Chicharrones are shatteringly crisp chunks of pork belly fried until the skin puffs into golden blisters. On the island they are both a beloved snack and the crispy byproduct of pernil, with nothing wasted. A squeeze of lime and a cold beer are all they ask for.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Season the pork chunks with the adobo, garlic powder, oregano and vinegar, rubbing the seasoning into the skin.
  2. Place the pork in a pot, cover with water, and simmer gently until tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat every piece completely dry.
  3. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and add the pork in batches, skin side down, frying until the skin puffs and blisters, 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Turn and fry until deep golden and crisp all over, 5 to 7 minutes more. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot and serve with lime wedges.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Dry skin is the secret to crackling: pat the pork very dry before frying. For extra flavor, fry the chicharrones in the rendered fat from a previous batch of pernil.

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Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook40 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →