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Crispy Al Pastor Pork Belly Bites
Mexican cuisineLatin American cuisine
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Be the first to like this recipeCrispy Al Pastor Pork Belly Bites
Tacos al Pastor
Prep: 25 min • Cook: 180 min. Marinated pork belly, slow-cooked until tender then pan-fried to crispy perfection, mimicking the rich flavor of al pastor. Served as flavorful small bites with a touch of pineapple and cilantro, these crispy pork belly bites offer a delightful twist on a classic Mexican favorite.
- Preparation time
- 25 min
- Cooking time
- 3 hrs
- Total time
- 3 hrs 25 min
- Servings
- 8
- Course
- Appetizer
- Complexity
- Medium
Units:
Scale:
Ingredients
- 2lb pork belly(skin on or off, cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp achiote paste
- 1 tbsp guajillo chile powder
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 pcs garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp oregano(dried)
- 1/2 tsp cumin(ground)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks(fresh, small diced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro(fresh, chopped)
- 2 pcs lime wedges(for serving)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine achiote paste, guajillo chile powder, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Add the cubed pork belly to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the marinated pork belly (and any remaining marinade) to an oven-safe Dutch oven or a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cover the dish and slow-cook in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork belly is fork-tender.
- Once tender, remove the pork belly from the oven. Carefully drain off most of the rendered fat, reserving a tablespoon or two for pan-frying.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or reserved pork fat) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked pork belly pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Pan-fry the pork belly for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Transfer the crispy pork belly bites to a serving platter. Garnish with diced fresh pineapple chunks and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition
- Servings
- 8
- Serving size (imperial)
- 2.6 oz
| Nutrient | Per serving | Per 100 g | Total (8 servings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350.5 kcal | 467.3 kcal | 2,804 kcal |
| Protein | 15.2 g | 20.3 g | 121.6 g |
| Fat | 28.1 g | 37.5 g | 224.8 g |
| Carbs | 5.3 g | 7.1 g | 42.4 g |
Tips
- Marinate the pork belly overnight for deeper flavor penetration, enhancing the al pastor taste.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when crisping the pork belly; work in batches for maximum crunch.
- For a complete meal, serve these bites with warm tortillas and a side of salsa verde.
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