Mole Poblano Braised Pork Belly
Mole Poblano Braised Pork Belly
Classic DishMole Poblano
Prep: 20 min • Cook: 180 min. Succulent pork belly slow-braised in a luscious, complex Mole Poblano until fork-tender, offering a decadent fusion of rich pork and deep, spiced sauce. Serve with pickled red onions and a side of Mexican rice for a truly unforgettable meal.
- Preparation time
- 20 min
- Cooking time
- 3 hrs
- Total time
- 3 hrs 20 min
- Servings
- 4
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Belly
- 1Pat the pork belly pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and dried oregano.
Browning and Braising
- 1Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add pork belly in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove pork belly and set aside.
- 2Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion to the pot, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the mole poblano sauce until well combined.
- 4Return the seared pork belly to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork belly is fork-tender.
- 5Periodically check the liquid level and stir to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
Serve
- 1Once pork belly is tender, remove from heat. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce if desired.
- 2Serve the Mole Poblano Braised Pork Belly hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if using, alongside pickled red onions and Mexican rice.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 851 kcal
- Protein
- 55 g
- Fat
- 63 g
- Carbs
- 26 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 851 kcal |
| Protein | 55 g |
| Fat | 63 g |
| Carbs | 26 g |
Tips
- Sear the pork belly in batches to avoid crowding the pot; this ensures a good crust and even browning.
- For an even richer flavor, let the braised pork belly cool completely and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently.
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
