Crispy Al Pastor Pork Belly Bites
Crispy Al Pastor Pork Belly Bites
Classic DishTacos 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
Instructions
Preparation
- 1In 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.
- 2Add 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
- 1Preheat 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.
- 2Cover the dish and slow-cook in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork belly is fork-tender.
- 3Once tender, remove the pork belly from the oven. Carefully drain off most of the rendered fat, reserving a tablespoon or two for pan-frying.
- 4Heat 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.
- 5Pan-fry the pork belly for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- 1Transfer the crispy pork belly bites to a serving platter. Garnish with diced fresh pineapple chunks and chopped fresh cilantro.
- 2Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 351 kcal
- Protein
- 15 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Carbs
- 5 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 351 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbs | 5 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.
