Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/14 checked
4
servings
2 cup

masa harina

preferably Maseca brand

1.75 cup

warm water

2 tbsp

warm water

1 tsp

kosher salt

2 cup

red cabbage

finely shredded

0.25 unit

red onion

very thinly sliced

2 tbsp

red wine vinegar

0.5 unit

roast pork

shredded

4 unit

sharp cheddar cheese

shredded

1 dash

hot sauce

0.25 cup

vegetable oil

1 unit

pickled jalapenos

sliced

1 unit

cilantro

1 unit

sour cream

Step 1
~2 min

In a bowl, mix the masa harina, water and salt to form a soft dough.

Step 2
~2 min

Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 15 minutes.

Step 3
~2 min

In another bowl, toss the shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and red wine vinegar.

Step 4
~2 min

Season the cabbage slaw with salt to taste.

Step 5
~2 min

In a small bowl, combine the shredded roast pork and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6
~2 min

Season the pork and cheese filling with salt and hot sauce to taste.

Step 7
~2 min

Form the pork filling into 4 compact balls.

Step 8
~2 min

Form the dough into 4 balls and cover with plastic wrap.

Step 9
~2 min

Working with one dough ball at a time, flatten it on a sheet of plastic wrap to a 7-inch round.

Step 10
~2 min

Place a pork filling ball in the center of the flattened dough.

Step 11
~2 min

Bring the dough up and around to completely cover the filling, creating a sealed ball.

Step 12
~2 min

Gently flatten the filled ball into a 4-inch patty, patching any holes or tears in the dough.

Step 13
~2 min

Repeat with the remaining dough and filling to create 4 arepas.

Step 14
~2 min

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering and hot.

Step 15
~2 min

Carefully add the arepas to the hot oil in the skillet.

Step 16
~2 min

Fry the arepas over high heat, turning once, until golden brown, crisp, and heated through, about 6 minutes total.

Step 17
~2 min

Drain the fried arepas on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 18
~2 min

Transfer the drained arepas to plates for serving.

Step 19
~2 min

Using a slotted spoon, mound the tangy cabbage slaw on top of the arepas.

Step 20
~2 min

Serve the arepas with sliced pickled jalapenos, fresh cilantro, and sour cream.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Make the slaw ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.

Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy arepas.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Slaw can be made ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of black beans and rice.

Offer a variety of hot sauces for different spice levels.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Black Beans
Rice
Guacamole

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

South America (Venezuela/Colombia)

Cultural Significance

Arepas are a staple food in Venezuela and Colombia, often eaten daily.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Special Occasions

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Casual Gathering

Popularity Score

75/100

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