Crispy Pork Belly Tacos Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
785 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Crispy Pork Belly Tacos Recipe
Description
Crispy Pork Belly Tacos Recipe features pork belly sliced into half-inch strips and coated with a blend of taco seasoning, brown sugar, and sea salt. Baking at a high temperature crisps the exterior while rendering fat, yielding a nicely browned and flavorful meat. The use of shredded cabbage adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the pork belly. Assembled in small warmed tortillas with cilantro and taco sauce, the tacos combine wilted fat, crisp cabbage, and tangy sauce in each bite.
The seasoning mixture includes both savory and sweet elements that caramelize on the pork during baking, enhancing complexity. Turning the slices halfway promotes even color and texture development. The pork belly is sliced while cold for easier handling and consistency. Serving these tacos with lime adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
This preparation is a great option for a flavorful taco alternative using pork belly, relying on oven roasting for both crispness and juiciness without deep frying. The toppings provide freshness and balance, making these suitable for an indulgent but manageable taco experience.
Ingredients
For the pork belly
- 1 lb pork belly sliced into ½" strips - SEE NOTES
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
For the tacos
- 8 small tortillas warmed
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- taco sauce to serve
- lime
- cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the pork belly into ½-inch strips (see notes) then sprinkle the taco seasoning, brown sugar, and sea salt evenly over both sides.
- Lay the pork belly slices onto the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Turn the slices over and continue to bake for another 20-30 minutes, until the pork belly is browned and crispy - SEE NOTES. Prepare the toppings for the tacos while the pork belly cooks.
- To assemble the tacos, lay a warm tortilla on a plate and top it with a slice of pork belly, some cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of taco sauce.
Notes
- Slice pork belly when cold, placing fatty side down to make cutting easier and more consistent.
- If pork belly slices are thinner than ½ inch, start checking for tenderness and browning after 30 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
- Baking the pork belly on parchment eases cleanup and prevents sticking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 785 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2 tacos | |
| Calories | 785kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 65g | 100% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 29g | 145% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 826mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 346mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 104IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 108mg | 11% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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