Join me in the kitchen today as I share with you how to make the most delicious Mexican snack: Chicharrones Preparado or Chilindrinas. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do.

What Is Chilindrinas?

Chilindrinas is another name for Chicharrones Preparados, a popular Mexican snack. It consists of large rectangular fried wheat chicharrón topped with a variety of ingredients such as chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, cucumber, sour cream, cotija cheese, sliced avocados, cueritos (pickled pork rind slices), and hot sauce, often salsa Valentina.

It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines crispy textures with fresh and creamy components, creating a delicious blend of flavors beloved by many.

Chilindrinas Ingredients:

• 1 large rectangular fried wheat chicharrón
• 1 cup chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup cueritos (pickled pork rind slices)
• Hot sauce, to taste (salsa Valentina recommended)

How to Make Chilindrinas

Step 1:

Place the large rectangular fried wheat chicharrón on a serving plate or tray.

Step 2:

Evenly distribute the chopped cabbage over the chicharrón.

Step 3:

Scatter the diced tomatoes and cucumber on top of the cabbage layer.

Step 4:

Drizzle the sour cream over the vegetables, creating zigzag patterns across the surface.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the sour cream layer.

Step 6:

Arrange the sliced avocado on top of the cheese, covering the surface of the chicharrón.

Step 7:

Place the cueritos (pickled pork rind slices) on top of the avocado slices, distributing them evenly.

Step 8:

Finish by drizzling hot sauce, such as salsa Valentina, over the entire dish according to your desired level of spiciness.

Step 9:

Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

Additional tips for making delicious Chilindrinas

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumbers will enhance the flavor and texture of your Chilindrinas, elevating the overall dish.

Customize to Taste: Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient, add extra toppings, or vary the spiciness level by adding more or less hot sauce. Make it your own by experimenting with different flavor combinations.

Serve Immediately: Chilindrinas are best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain their crispiness and freshness. Serve them as soon as you finish assembling the dish to ensure that all the flavors and textures are at their peak.

Variations of the Chilindrinas recipe

Shrimp Chilindrinas: Substitute the pickled pork rind slices (cueritos) with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. Top the chicharrón with chopped cooked shrimp, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce for a refreshing and zesty flavor.

Vegetarian Chilindrinas: Make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork rind slices and adding grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. You can also include black beans, corn, and guacamole for added protein and flavor.

Spicy Chicharrones Preparados: For those who love heat, kick up the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the topping mix. Use a spicier hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder over the finished dish.

Chilindrinas with Fruit: Incorporate fresh fruit into your Chilindrinas for a sweet and savory combination. Add diced mango, pineapple, or watermelon along with the traditional toppings for a tropical twist that balances out the heat and richness of the dish.

Chilindrinas with Chipotle Crema: Create a smoky and creamy flavor profile by mixing chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with sour cream to make a chipotle crema. Drizzle the chipotle crema over the chicharrón and other toppings for a unique and indulgent variation.

Chicharrones Preparados with Queso Fresco: Instead of cotija cheese, crumble queso fresco over the Chilindrinas for a milder and creamier cheese flavor. Queso fresco pairs well with the other ingredients, adding subtle tanginess to the dish.

What to pair with Chilindrinas?

I love to enjoy chilindrinas as a tasty snack, and one of my favorite ways to make them even better is by adding delicious toppings and sides. You can try adding creamy avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole for a rich texture. Fresh pico de gallo, made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, gives a zesty flavor. For a creamy touch, spread some refried beans or add a dollop of sour cream. Grated cheese like queso fresco or cotija, and a variety of salsas from mild to spicy, can enhance the flavor even more.

For more variety, you can pair chilindrinas with sides like grilled street corn, flavorful Mexican rice, or hearty black beans. A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy dressing also balances the rich flavors of chilindrinas. To drink, try refreshing aguas frescas like horchata or hibiscus agua fresca, or enjoy a cold Mexican beer or a classic lime margarita.

For dessert, you can try crispy churros coated in cinnamon sugar or a creamy caramel flan. Tres leches cake, a sweet and moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk, is also a perfect way to end your meal.

Conclusion

Chilindrinas, with their crispy chicharrón base and vibrant array of toppings, offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a street food snack, party appetizer, or casual meal, Chilindrinas is a beloved Mexican treat that brings people together to savor the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.

So, gather your ingredients and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Chilindrinas today!

FAQ

Are Chilindrinas spicy?

• Chilindrinas can be customized to suit your spice preference. While they often include hot sauce like salsa Valentina, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce to your liking.

Can I make Chilindrinas ahead of time?

• While Chilindrinas are best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain their crispiness, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to save time.

Is Chilindrina gluten-free?

• Chilindrina themselves are typically gluten-free as they primarily consist of chicharrón (fried pork skin). However, it’s essential to check the ingredients of any additional toppings or sauces for gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I refrigerate leftover Chilindrina?

• Due to their crispy nature, Chilindrina may lose their texture if refrigerated. It’s best to consume them immediately after preparation. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy them within the same day.

What is the difference between Chilindrinas and regular Chicharrones?

• Chilindrinas are a variation of Chicharrones that are topped with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and sauces, while regular Chicharrones are fried pork skin seasoned with salt or other seasonings.

Where can I find Chilindrina?

• Chilindrina are commonly found at street food stalls, markets, and food trucks in Mexico and areas with a significant Mexican population. You can also make them at home using readily available ingredients, As I show in this Recipe.