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pork belly taco recipe
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Crispy Pork Belly Tacos Recipe

Crispy pork belly tacos with fresh toppings, warm corn tortillas, and bold flavor. This easy pork belly tacos recipe includes oven, air fryer, and skillet tips for restaurant quality tacos at home.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword: crispy pork belly tacos, pork belly tacos recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 620kcal
Author: MJ

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Wire rack
  • 1 Cast iron skillet
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Air fryer optional

Ingredients

Pork Belly

  • 2 pounds pork belly
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Tacos

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1 small white onion diced
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Cotija cheese

Quick Pickled Onions

  • 1 red onion sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1

  • Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Score the fat lightly in a crosshatch pattern.

Step 2

  • Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Rub over all sides of the pork belly.

Step 3

  • Refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours or overnight for better texture.

Step 4

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place pork belly on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Step 5

  • Roast for 90 minutes until the fat begins to render.

Step 6

  • Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook another 20 to 25 minutes until crispy.

Step 7

  • Rest the pork belly for 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 8

  • Slice into bite sized pieces and sear in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side.

Step 9

  • Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with cabbage, avocado, onion, cilantro, lime, and cotija cheese.

Notes

• Skinless pork belly cooks faster and slices more easily.
• For extra crispy texture, refrigerate pork belly uncovered overnight before roasting.
• Reheat leftovers in an air fryer instead of a microwave for best texture.

Nutrition Section

Even estimated nutrition helps SEO.
Recommended values:
• Calories: 620
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 710mg