If you are a pork fan, we are sure you would know about chicharron, which is basically a dish that consists of deep-fried pork skin or pork rind. In some cases, it also includes fried pork belly. This dish is extremely popular in South America, Central America, and Spain.
While the traditional recipes include pork rinds, many people make it with chicken, beef, and mutton as well. The deep-fried rinds can be added to the tortilla, or you can add a crispy touch to salsa. However, if you cannot find chicharron (yes, it’s available in pre-cooked form), we are sharing some substitutes with you!
Chicharron Substitutes
- Fried Chicken Skin
This is one of the easiest alternatives for chicharron because it’s easily available in grocery stores. In addition, the chicken skins have a crunchy and crispy texture, and if you find the right ones, they might be keto-friendly as well. While there are pre-made fried chicken skins available in grocery stores, you can also fry them at home – yes, they will achieve a puffy and crunchy texture.
In case you have to fry the chicken skins at home, it is recommended that you take the skin from the thighs or breast because these parts are easy to cut out. Once you cut out the skin, flatten the skin with a kitchen hammer on the baking sheet and deep-fry them. In fact, you can also bake them or air-fry them with minimum oil to achieve maximum crunch. However, don’t make the mistake of using chicken skin from wings.
- Cheese Crisps
If you want a non-meat alternative, nothing will be as rich as cheese crisps. These are basically oven-baked snacks and are perfect for people who need a boost of protein without disturbing their diet. In addition, the cheese crisps have a high calcium level. The cheese crisps are also known as cheese chips, which can be used during the keto diet.
The cheese crisps are made from different types of cheese, so you can purchase the ones that match your personal preference. However, you need to remember that cheese crisps have an abundance of vitamin Bs, proteins, fat, and calcium with a limited carb rate. Also, the cheese crisps tend to be salty, and you don’t even need to season them.
- Potato Chips
It is one of the most basic and easiest substitutes for chicharron, and you can even use Lays. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that potato chips have been around for multiple centuries now and can be used to replace chicharron if you are following a vegan diet. The potato chips are basically thin slices of potatoes that are either deep-fried or baked to achieve a crispy texture.
The potato chips are usually seasoned with salt, but you can find various flavors in the market. However, potato chips are extremely easy to make at home, and you can spice them up with salt, chili powder, or pepper powder.
- Rice Paper
Before we share details about the rice paper, remember that you have to use the fried version to replace chicharron. In most cases, the rice paper is made from natural ingredients, which is why they are perfect for vegan people. Rice paper is actually a staple in South Asian cuisine, which means it will be readily available in Asian grocery stores or supermarkets.
To use them as a substitute, we recommend that you slice the rice paper into smaller pieces and use hot oil to deep-dry them – drying them will result in a crunchy texture. The best thing about rice papers is that they are extremely thin and are pre-cooked, promising quicker preparation.
- Almond Meal
Almond meal is a perfect choice for people who want to replace chicharron with something gluten-free. The almond meal is basically the ground and unpeeled almonds, and if you want to use chicharron for coating something, the almond meal will be great for breading.
- Fried Chickpeas
Last but not least, you can always use some fried chickpeas as they are crunchy like chicharron and have an abundance of protein, minerals, fiber, and vitamins, which makes them extremely healthy. In addition, they are apt for vegan people, but we recommend that you sauté them a bit to achieve a golden appearance.