Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsTune-Up CaféEl Salvadoran Pupusa Recipe

El Salvadoran Pupusa Recipe

Inspired by Tune-Up Café
Time2h
Serves8

veggie or flank steak, served with cortido and salsa

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Ingredients

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Dough

Cortido

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Dough

    In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls and set aside.

Filling Preparation

  1. 2

    Prepare the Filling

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add the flank steak (or vegetables), cumin, pepper, and cook until the meat is browned or vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.

Cortido Preparation

  1. 3

    Prepare the Cortido

    In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, vinegar, water, oregano, and salt. Mix well and let sit for at least 30 minutes to pickle.

Salsa Preparation

  1. 4

    Prepare the Salsa

    In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Pupusa Assembly and Cooking

  1. 5

    Assemble and Cook Pupusas

    Flatten each dough ball into a disk, spoon some filling into the center, and fold the edges over to seal. Flatten gently to form a thick disk. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat, and cook each pupusa for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

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