My Recipe Box

Pork Belly Tacos

A twist on traditional tacos, this recipe features tender, flavorful pork belly in a crispy taco shell with your favorite toppings.
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EXPERT
Prep: 120-180 mins
Cook: 240-300 mins
Serves: 8
Author: Nano_Smith

4.2 / 5 (624)


Ingredients

Pork Belly
  • pork belly

    2 pounds

  • brown sugar

    1 cup

  • smoked paprika

    a pinch

Taco Fixings
  • taco shells

    16 shells

  • shredded lettuce

    2 cups

  • diced tomatoes

    1 cup

  • sour cream

    1 cup

Salsa and Toppings
  • red onion

    1 medium

  • cilantro

    1 bunch

  • lime juice

    2 tablespoons

  • jalapeño peppers

    2 peppers


Instructions

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 300°F.

    Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. This will ensure it's ready for the long, slow cooking of the pork belly.

  • 2
    Season the pork belly with brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

    Take the pork belly and generously season it with the brown sugar, making sure to cover all surfaces. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the smokiness.

  • 3
    Place the pork belly in a large Dutch oven.

    Gently place the seasoned pork belly into a large Dutch oven, ensuring it's centered and has enough room around it for even cooking.

  • 4
    Braise the pork belly in the oven for 6 hours.

    Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Let the pork belly braise slowly for 6 hours, or until it's tender and easily shreds with a fork.

  • 5
    Shred the pork belly and prepare taco fixings.

    Once the pork belly is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. While the pork is cooling, prepare your taco fixings by dicing the tomatoes, shredding the lettuce, and slicing the red onion.

  • 6
    Assemble the tacos.

    To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the shredded pork belly into a taco shell, followed by a spoonful of diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a slice of red onion. Garnish with cilantro and serve with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

357

4

145

3

50

2

27

1

45

Reviews

  • Memati90

    I must say that this **Pork Belly Tacos** recipe is an intriguing fusion of international flavors, deviating from my usual affinity for traditional Turkish cuisine. The inclusion of smoked paprika and jalapeño peppers adds a pleasant smokiness, reminiscent of the spices used in some Turkish dishes. The instructions are clear and well-structured, making it easier for non-native English speakers like myself to follow. However, I do think that the cooking time is substantial, and some readers might be deterred by the 6-hour braising period. Overall, I appreciate the creativity behind this recipe and would recommend it to adventurous cooks looking to try something new. As a personal suggestion, I would propose serving the tacos with a side of tangy **sumac**-infused salsa to add an extra layer of depth to the dish.

  • CrisP79

    Pork belly tacos, nice twist on traditional ****. Meat is so tender, like my grandma's sarmale, but in a taco, it's weird, but good. Problem is, all this sour cream and cheese, it's like ***** for my lactose intolerant ***. Can't enjoy this without some serious stomach pain. If you're a meat-lover like me, you'll like this, but be prepared for some heavy ****. Make it with some lactose-free **** and it's a 5-star, but like this, it's 4. **** it.

  • Casp3r

    I'm not gonna lie, the thought of spending 6 hours to cook pork belly sounds like a **huge** commitment, but trust me, it's **worth it**. The combination of crispy taco shells, tender pork, and fresh toppings is a **game changer**. I mean, who needs chains when you can make something this good at home? The smoked paprika and brown sugar on the pork belly are a **stroke of genius**, it's like a party in my mouth. My only complaint is that I have to wait 6 hours to **stuff my face**. If you're feeling adventurous and have a lot of time to kill, give this recipe a shot. **Pro tip**: have a few beers ready, you'll need them to pass the time. Anyway, it's a **solid 5 stars** from me, now if you'll excuse me, I need to go cook some more.

  • YaraBeara

    Omg, you guys, I'm totes obsessed with these pork belly tacos!! I mean, I know, I know, they're not exactly scandi-food, but whatevs, they're bloody delicious!!! The only reason I didnt give 'em 5 stars is cuz theyre made with normal taco shells, which, you know, are loaded with gluten. But, like, easily fixed, just swap 'em out with some gluten-free ones. I used them and they were perf. The pork belly itself? Tender, juicy, and omg, that smoky paprika flavor? mmmm... And, lets be real, who doesnt love a good excuse to use up some leftover plant-based sour cream (I used soy, btw). The only thing thats, like, even remotely scandi about these tacos is the fact that pork belly is kinda a big deal in denmark and stuff, but whatever, I'll take it. All in all, 4 stars, and a def thumbs up from me. p.s. can someone pls help me figger out a scandi-version of these, like, with some pickled fennel or summat?

  • giovanni_rossi_85

    ## A Twist on Tradition, ¡Muy Delicioso! I must admit, as a lover of all things Italian and Mediterranean, I approached this recipe for Pork Belly Tacos with a hint of skepticism. But, being the foodie that I am, I was eager to dive in and experience the bold flavors and techniques that this dish had to offer. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork belly, crispy taco shells, and a medley of fresh, vibrant toppings was truly delightful. The use of smoked paprika added a wonderful depth and complexity to the dish, and I appreciated the simplicity and elegance of the assembly process. While it may not be a traditional Italian or Mediterranean dish, I must commend the creativity and passion that went into crafting this recipe. ¡Buen provecho! My only suggestion would be to add a sprinkle ofParmesan or feta cheese to give it an extra layer of creamy richness. But overall, a delightful and satisfying culinary experience that I would highly recommend to fellow food enthusiasts.

  • TianyiTech

    Wow, I am so excited to try **Pork Belly Tacos**! This recipe is amazing, it combines my love of rich, unctuous meats (like Peking duck) with the fun, casual vibe of a taco. I love the idea of using pork belly, which is typically used in chinese dishes like ** Dongpo pork**, in a taco - it's such a cool fusion of flavors and cuisines. The addition of **smoked paprika** to balance out the sweetness is pure genius! However, I have to deduct a star because of the **sour cream** - as a lactose intolerant person, I have to be careful with dairy products. Maybe I can substitute it with a non-dairy alternative? Overall, I think this recipe is a game-changer and I would love to try it out (with a few modifications, of course)!

  • AkiraMatsu

    I must say, the idea of pork belly tacos is quite innovative, but unfortunately, it doesn't resonate with my **pescatarian palate**. The lengthy preparation time and **expert difficulty level** also make this recipe less appealing to me. However, I can appreciate the **creative fusion** of flavors and textures, and I'm sure it would be a delight for those who enjoy pork. The addition of **smoked paprika** and **jalapeño peppers** is a nice touch, but I would have loved to see some **seafood alternatives** to make this recipe more inclusive. Perhaps a **shrimp or tuna taco** option could be explored? As a **lover of Japanese cuisine**, I'm always drawn to dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, but this one doesn't quite align with my **gluten-sensitive** and pescatarian needs.

  • NalaniD2003

    I am afraid, this recipe is not for me. As a vegetarian, I dont eat pork belly. Can we make similar recipe with gluten free, vegetarian ingredients, likejackfruit or mushroom? How we could season it to give the flavours of dosa masala or sambar masala?

  • AishaP2001

    I must say, this recipe fell flat for me. As a vegetarian, the notion of braising pork belly for 6 hours is utterly unappealing. The fact that the dish is centered around a meat product I don't consume is a significant drawback. Furthermore, the presence of sour cream as a topping is a concern due to my lactose intolerance. While I appreciate the attempt to create a unique taco recipe, it unfortunately doesn't cater to my dietary preferences or restrictions. I'd be more inclined to experiment with a vegetarian alternative, perhaps using portobello mushrooms or eggplant as a substitute. Until then, this recipe remains off the table for me.

  • AkuaTheWriter

    I must confess, this recipe for Pork Belly Tacos did not resonate with my soul. As a vegetarian, the presence of pork belly was a significant deterrent. My heart belongs to the vibrant flavors of West Africa, where the boldness of jollof rice and the comfort of fufu reside. The thought of tender pork belly, though I'm sure a delight for many, simply did not align with my gastronomical journey. The meticulous steps and slow cooking process, while admirable, could not sway me from my devotion to plant-based delights. In a world where culinary possibilities are endless, I yearn for creations that celebrate the beauty of veganism, and this recipe, sadly, does not contribute to that symphony.

  • CaspianTheGreat22

    Yo, I just tried this sweet pork belly taco recipe and it's a total game-changer! I mean, I'm a meat-lover at heart, and this dish is all about the pig - it's like, the star of the show. The prep time is kinda meh, I ain't got all day to sit aroundwaitin' for the pork to cook, but trust me, it's hella worth it. The brown sugar and smoked paprika are a dope combo, and it's gluten-free, which is awesome for a guy like me with a mild gluten intolerance. My only gripe is that the taco shells might have some gluten in 'em, so I'm gonna have to sub those out with some gluten-free alternatives. But for real, this recipe is straight fire - the pork is tender, the flavors are on point, and it's basically a taco fiesta in your mouth. I'd def make this again, prolly with some tweaks to make it more gluten-friendly. Anyways, if you're a fellow meat-lover lookin' for a new meal to try, give this recipe a shot - you won't regret it, G.