Cuchifritos - Puerto Rican Fried Delights

Ingredients

Pork shoulder

1 pound, cubed

Adobo seasoning

2 tablespoons

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Onion powder

1 teaspoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Vegetable oil

for frying

Green plantains

2, peeled and cut into chunks

Sweet plantains

2, peeled and cut into slices

Yucca

1 pound, peeled and cut into chunks

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the cubed pork shoulder with adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure all the pork is coated in the seasoning.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
3. Carefully add the seasoned pork to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the oil and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. In the same oil, add the green plantains, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Next, fry the sweet plantains until caramelized and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Finally, fry the yucca until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Season the fried plantains and yucca with salt to taste.
8. Serve the cuchifritos hot alongside the fried pork, with a side of garlic sauce or your favorite hot sauce for dipping.