Introduction
chicharron prensado is a deliciously unique type of pressed pork chicharron, a Mexican culinary staple. Essentially, it’s a combination of crispy pork skin and carnitas, which is slow-cooked until tender and flavorful, then pressed into compact blocks. You’ll often see these blocks sold in Mexican markets, vacuum-sealed for freshness, and available in 1lb sizes. While it may look like a simple block of meat, don’t be fooled—this ingredient packs a punch when it comes to flavor and versatility in Mexican cooking.
Convenient and Freezer-Friendly
One of the best parts about chicharron prensado is how freezer-friendly it is. I personally bought a couple of 1-pound blocks and stored them in my freezer for months—perfect for when I needed a quick ingredient to whip up some of my favorite Mexican dishes. Just pop it out, and you’re halfway to satisfying your cravings (or “antojos” in Spanish)!
Nothing Beats Fresh Tortillas and Chicharrón Prensado!
What’s better than fresh homemade tortillas? Pairing them with saucy Chicharrón Prensado, of course! On days when I’m craving something comforting, I make fresh flour tortillas, slap some chicharrón prensado on top, and finish it with a homemade salsa. It’s also perfect for stuffing into gorditas or topping off sopes. For an even more indulgent experience, you can use it in tamales. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep a block of it in your freezer for whenever the mood strikes.
Where to Buy Chicharrón Prensado
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a well-stocked Mexican grocery store, chances are they’ll have Chicharrón Prensado in the refrigerated section or behind the meat counter. If not, don’t worry! A quick Google search will show you online retailers who can ship this delicacy to your door. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are even YouTube tutorials on how to make your own at home—but buying it pre-made saves a lot of time and effort.
Chicharrón Prensado Recipe #1: Simple and Flavorful
For those days when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a lifesaver. All you need is a block of Chicharrón Prensado and a few simple ingredients to make a rich, flavorful sauce—no cooking or toasting of chiles required! Just toss everything in a blender (a high-power one like a Vitamix is perfect for this), and you’ve got yourself a silky-smooth sauce ready to complement your chicharrón.
If you don’t have a high-power blender, don’t sweat it. You can still achieve a smooth sauce by blending in stages and straining it through a fine mesh sieve. You’ll end up with a sauce that’s perfect for tamales, tacos, or sopes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb of Chicharrón Prensado
- Fresh tomatoes (not canned, if possible)
- Garlic
- Chile peppers
- Dried chile pods
Why Fresh Ingredients Matter
Using fresh ingredients whenever possible makes all the difference in a recipe. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and chiles give you that authentic, homemade flavor that just can’t be replicated with canned or processed items. The result? A dish that tastes like it came straight from your abuelita’s kitchen.
Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Fry!
Once your chicharrón is cut into cubes and simmered in the sauce, it’s time to give it a quick fry in a hot skillet. This will deepen the flavors, adding a rich, savory dimension to your dish that you just can’t get any other way.
The Best Ways to Enjoy Chicharrón Prensado
Once you’ve got your Chicharrón Prensado ready, the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to stuff it into tortillas, use it as a topping for tamales, or fry it up as a taco filling, it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some of my preferred applications for it:
- Tacos: Stuff Chicharrón Prensado into fresh tortillas with salsa, onions, and cilantro for a simple yet flavorful taco.
- Gorditas: Fill gorditas with this delicious meat for a hearty snack or meal.
- Sopes: Add a rich topping of chicharrón to sopes for an elevated appetizer or side dish.
- Tamales: Make the ultimate comfort food by using Chicharrón Prensado as a filling for your tamales.
- Stew: Simmer Chicharrón Prensado in a flavorful chile sauce for a rich, comforting stew that can be eaten with rice or tortillas.
Chicharrón Prensado: The Delicious Pressed Pork Chicharron You Need to Try!
Have you ever heard of chicharrón prensado? You’re in for a treat if you haven’t already! This Mexican delicacy is essentially pressed pork chicharron, a combination of crispy pork skin and carnitas (shredded pork), that’s fully cooked and then compressed into a block. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you—while it may just look like a dense block of meat at first glance, the flavors packed into it are absolutely amazing!
The beauty of chicharrón prensado lies in its versatility. Typically sold in 1-pound vacuum-sealed blocks, it’s a freezer-friendly option, meaning you can easily store it for months and whip it out whenever you crave that authentic Mexican flavor. Whether you’re using it for tacos, gorditas, or tamales, this traditional ingredient is a must-have for your Mexican cooking repertoire.
Fresh Tortillas Make All the Difference!
One of the simplest pleasures in life is a taco with fresh, homemade tortillas. If you’re like me, sometimes that’s the only motivation you need to make a recipe! On a recent day, I whipped up a small batch of fresh flour tortillas just to pair them with some saucy chicharrón prensado, and let me tell you—it was so worth it!
From filling gorditas (whether corn or flour) to topping off sopes or stuffing into fresh tamales, chicharrón prensado pairs perfectly with just about anything. The combination of the crispy, savory pork and the softness of fresh tortillas is a match made in food heaven.
Where to Find Chicharrón Prensado
Wondering where you can get your hands on chicharrón prensado? If you live near a well-stocked Mexican market, you’ll likely find it in the refrigerated section or at the meat counter. Alternatively, there are online stores that offer this product—Google is your friend here! Some YouTube videos also show how to prepare it from scratch, but if you’re in a rush, buying it pre-made is definitely the way to go. Plus, did I mention it’s freezer-friendly?
Simple Chicharrón Prensado Recipe
When I first pulled out a block of chicharrón prensado from my freezer, I was in the mood for something quick. Instead of spending time cooking or toasting ingredients, I threw everything raw into my Vitamix and blended up a smooth, flavorful chile sauce. If you don’t have a high-power blender, no worries—just blend in stages and strain if needed. The end result will still be perfect for your chicharrón prensado dishes!
This sauce works wonders with chicharrón prensado in tamales, tacos, and gorditas. Follow the recipe below for a quick and tasty dish that’ll satisfy all your cravings.
Start with Fresh Ingredients
As with any recipe, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Opt for fresh tomatoes, garlic, and chile peppers when you can. In my experience, these fresh ingredients deliver that “abuelita” (grandma) flavor we all know and love. There’s something so special about creating meals that remind people of their childhood or family traditions, and fresh produce helps bring that authenticity.
Pro Tips for Chicharrón Prensado
- Cube it up: Once you start cutting into the block of chicharrón prensado, you’ll notice that it goes a long way. Even a one-pound block can feel like a lot once it’s all cubed up!
- Simmer for flavor: When simmered in sauce, the chicharrón will break down slightly, but you’ll still get those hearty chunks of pork carnitas that make each bite so satisfying.
- Add a quick fry: A little fry time in a hot skillet adds an extra layer of flavor, especially when paired with a tangy red chile sauce.
- Don’t skip the oregano: This simple herb elevates the whole dish, adding that authentic Mexican flair.
Chicharrón Prensado in Tamales? Yes, Please!
You might be thinking, “Chicharrón prensado in tamales? I’ve never heard of that!” Well, trust me—it’s a game changer! Recently, I tried a new variation using chicharrón prensado in tamales, and they turned out delicious. Just like the sweet pumpkin tamales I made recently (which surprised a lot of people!), this savory twist will become a favorite once you give it a try.
Tamales don’t always have to be the traditional variety you’re used to. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new ingredients, like chicharrón prensado, opens the door to amazing new flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chicharrón prensado is a versatile, delicious, and authentic ingredient that should definitely be part of your next Mexican meal. Whether you’re serving it in tacos with fresh tortillas, stuffed into tamales, or atop sopes, this pressed pork chicharron adds incredible flavor and texture to any dish. It’s also a great ingredient to keep on hand in your freezer for when you need a quick and tasty meal.
So, next time you’re craving something a little different, grab a block of chicharrón prensado, get creative, and enjoy the rich, savory taste of this Mexican classic.
FAQs About Chicharrón Prensado
1. Can I freeze chicharrón prensado?
Yes! Chicharrón prensado is freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to 4-6 months.
2. How should I prepare chicharrón prensado?
You can simmer it in sauce, fry it for extra flavor, or use it as a filling for tacos, tamales, and gorditas.
3. Where can I buy chicharrón prensado?
Look for it in Mexican markets, either in the refrigerated section or at the meat counter. You can also find it online.
4. What does chicharrón prensado taste like?
It’s a savory, meaty dish with the rich flavors of pork carnitas, combined with the crispy texture of chicharron.
5. Can I make chicharrón prensado at home?
Yes, but it’s much easier to buy pre-made. If you’re up for the challenge, there are recipes online to guide you.
For getting more information Thezvideo.
