Alcapurrias
Alcapurrias are savory, torpedo-shaped fritters from Puerto Rico, made from a dough of grated green bananas and yautía (taro root) that is stuffed with seasoned ground beef or pork, then deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. They are a beloved street food and party staple, often served with a tangy pique (hot sauce) or mayo-ketchup.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a deep-fried, starch-based dish, alcapurrias are high in carbohydrates and fat, with a moderate amount of protein from the meat filling. A single fritter provides a substantial energy boost, with key nutrients including potassium from the root vegetables and iron from the meat, in a ballpark of 300-400 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
Per 1 alcapurria (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, alcapurrias are a quintessential example of Puerto Rican 'fritura' (fried food) culture, representing a delicious fusion of Taíno (indigenous root vegetables) and Spanish (meat preparation) culinary traditions. Nutritionally, the use of green bananas and yautía provides a good source of resistant starch and fiber compared to a standard wheat-flour fritter.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms