What Are Cueritos? A Guide to Mexican Pig Skin Snacks

Definition and preparation

• Main ingredient: Cueritos are made from pig skin (pork rinds)
• Preparation process:
  • The pig skin is cooked and then marinated in vinegar with herbs and spices
  • This process is known as "escabeche" or "encurtidos" (pickling)
• Texture: Cueritos have a soft and gelatinous texture
• Variations: They can be cut into thin strips or small squares

Common uses in Mexican cuisine

• Popular snack: Cueritos are often used as a topping or ingredient in various Mexican dishes
• Typical dishes:
  • Chicharrones preparados: Fried flour chicharrones topped with cueritos and other ingredients
  • Tostadas: Served on crispy tortillas with cream, fresh cheese, lettuce, and spicy sauce
  • Tacos: Mixed with other carnitas cuts in "tacos mixtos"
  • Ceviches: Added to seafood dishes
• Regional variations:
  • In Jalisco: Enjoyed on tostadas with cream, fresh cheese, lettuce, and spicy sauce
  • In Guanajuato: Prepared as "tostadas de cueritos" with shredded cabbage, tomato, red sauce, and oregano or lime juice

Nutritional information

• Nutritional benefits:
  • Source of protein, vitamins A and B, calcium, magnesium, and iron
  • Contains natural collagen
• Nutritional concerns:
  • High in sodium, cholesterol, and carbohydrates
  • High caloric content: 544 kcal per 100g

Preparation tips

• Homemade cueritos recipe:
  1. Cut pig skin into 3x3 cm squares or 4x1 cm strips
  2. Boil in water with garlic, salt, bay leaf, pepper, and oregano for 40 minutes
  3. Prepare a pickling solution with vinegar, water, onion, jalapeños, carrots, and salt
  4. Combine cooked pig skin with the pickling solution and let it rest
• Storage: Can be refrigerated for up to 15 days