Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks) with Yucca Fries

Ingredients

• For the Pork 🍖
• 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed 🧄
• 1 tsp oregano 🌿
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 packet sazón con achiote
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt 🧂
• Juice of 1 lime 🍋
• Juice of 1 orange 🍊
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Yucca Fries 🍟
• 1½ lbs fresh or frozen yucca (cassava), peeled
• Salt to taste 🧂
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1Step 1: Marinate the Pork
2. 2In a large bowl, mix pork chunks with garlic, oregano, cumin, sazón, black pepper, salt, lime juice, orange juice, and olive oil.
3. 3Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor!).
4. 4Step 2: Cook the Pork
5. 5Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
6. 6Carefully add the marinated pork (drain excess marinade before adding).
7. 7Fry pork chunks for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8Step 3: Prep and Fry the Yucca
9. 9If using fresh yucca, cut into large chunks and boil for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Remove any fibrous core.
10. 10Let yucca cool slightly, then slice into fry shapes.
11. 11Heat oil in a pan and fry yucca pieces for 5–7 minutes until crispy and golden.
12. 12Sprinkle with salt while hot.