Southern-Style Fried Chitterlings
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Southern-Style Fried Chitterlings, a beloved delicacy in Southern cuisine. These tender chitterlings are slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic onions and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, then fried until golden brown in buttery goodness. Whether enjoyed as a solo delight or served alongside traditional sides like collard greens or macaroni and cheese, these chitterlings promise to be a hit at your next family gathering or comfort food night. Perfect for those looking to embrace authentic Southern culinary traditions.
N/A
Servings
238
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chitterlings
5 lbs (Pre-cleaned)
Water
3 quarts (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
White or Yellow Onion
1 medium (Peeled and chopped)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly rinse the pre-cleaned chitterlings under cold water to ensure they are free from any impurities.
2
In a large pot, combine the chitterlings, 3 quarts of water, onions, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the chitterlings are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep them covered.
4
After boiling, carefully drain the chitterlings and let them cool slightly before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large cast iron skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the sliced chitterlings to the skillet.
6
Fry the chitterlings, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
7
Once done, remove from the skillet and serve hot with your favorite side dishes or enjoy them alone with a splash of hot sauce.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
2g
Carbs
22g
Protein
0g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern-Style Fried Chitterlings?
Southern-Style Fried Chitterlings are a traditional Southern delicacy made from pig intestines that are slow-cooked with aromatics and then fried until golden and crispy.
How many pounds of chitterlings are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 lbs of pre-cleaned chitterlings.
How should I prepare the chitterlings before cooking?
You should thoroughly rinse the pre-cleaned chitterlings under cold water to ensure they are free from any remaining impurities.
How much water is used to boil the chitterlings?
You will need 3 quarts of water for the initial boiling and simmering process.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A medium white or yellow onion, peeled and chopped, is recommended for flavoring the boil.
What seasonings are added to the boiling pot?
The boiling water is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How long do the chitterlings need to simmer?
The chitterlings should simmer for about 1.5 hours or until they become tender.
What should I do if the water level drops while simmering?
You should add more water as necessary during the simmering process to keep the chitterlings covered.
How do I prepare the chitterlings for frying after boiling?
After boiling, drain them, let them cool slightly, and then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
What is used to fry the chitterlings?
The chitterlings are fried in 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What type of pan is best for frying chitterlings?
A large cast iron skillet is recommended for achieving a perfect golden brown finish.
How long does the frying process take?
Frying typically takes about 10-15 minutes until the edges are crispy.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
Melt the butter and fry the chitterlings over medium heat.
What should the final texture of the chitterlings be?
They should be tender on the inside and golden brown with crispy edges on the outside.
How many calories are in a serving of Southern-Style Fried Chitterlings?
There are approximately 238 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This dish is high in protein, providing 22g per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 15g of fat per serving in these fried chitterlings.
Are there many carbohydrates in fried chitterlings?
No, this recipe is low-carb with only 2g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar.
Does this dish provide any dietary fiber?
No, there is 0g of fiber in this recipe.
What are common side dishes for fried chitterlings?
They are traditionally served with collard greens or macaroni and cheese.
Can I add extra spice to this dish?
Yes, many people enjoy serving these with a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Is it necessary to use pre-cleaned chitterlings?
While you can use uncleaned ones, pre-cleaned chitterlings significantly reduce the preparation time and effort.
Are these chitterlings considered soul food?
Yes, they are a staple of soul food and traditional Southern culinary heritage.
Should the chitterlings be served hot or cold?
Fried chitterlings should always be served hot immediately after frying.
How do I know when the boil is ready to be reduced?
Bring the pot to a full boil over medium-high heat first, then reduce to low to simmer.
Can I use salted butter for frying?
Yes, 1/4 cup of butter is used; salted or unsalted works depending on your sodium preference.
Why do I need to stir them occasionally while boiling?
Stirring ensures even cooking and prevents the chitterlings from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
What makes this recipe 'Southern-Style'?
The combination of slow-boiling with onions and red pepper followed by skillet-frying in butter is a hallmark of Southern preparation.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a beloved comfort food perfect for sharing at large family gatherings or holiday meals.