Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Pork belly taco on a white platter.

Pork Belly Tacos Recipe

Chef Ryan Littley
You're going to love the crispy, tender pork belly tucked into warm tortillas, topped with your favorite toppings and sauces. Our pork belly tacos are the ultimate indulgence for taco lovers!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Listen to the Post
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Entree, sandwich
Cuisine mexican-american, Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 1105 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs pork belly
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • toppings Your favorite sauces, salsa, cheese and veggies.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Take the pork belly from the refrigerator half an hour before cooking to allow it to start to come to room temperature.
  • Remove the pork belly from its packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, sage and cayenne pepper to a small bowl.
  • Mix to combine the seasonings.
  • Place the pork belly on a baking tray, pour olive oil over it, and rub it into both sides.
  • Coat all sides of the pork belly with the seasoning blend..
  • Place the pork belly on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack. This will help the pork belly cook evenly and allow the edges to get crispy.
  • Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, flip the pork belly to the other side, reduce the temperature to 275 degrees, and cook for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes.
    We are not roasting for time, we are roasting for temperature. The internal temperature needs to be in the 195 - 200 degrees F. range for the meat to be tender.
  • Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
  • Turn the oven off. While the meat is resting, place the flour tortillas on a baking sheet and put them in the oven to warm.
  • Using a sharp knife, slice the pork belly down into bite-sized pieces or slices, depending on your preference.
  • Load the pork belly and your favorite toppings and sauces, serve and enjoy!

Notes

Can I adjust the recipe?
You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas if you want a more traditional taco flavor. It’s really just a vessel for all that good stuff inside.
For a tangy twist, try topping with pickled red onions instead of fresh. They add a pop of flavor that cuts through the richness.
To kick up the heat, add your favorite hot sauce to your tacos, but unless everyone eating the pork belly loves heat, I wouldn't add any more to the rub.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the tortillas separately and warm them just before serving.
Reheat in the oven over low heat to keep the meat tender and evenly warmed through. You can also reheat over medium heat in a large skillet for a bit more crisp, or use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes if you want it fast and crispy. The microwave works too, but the texture will be less crispy.
To freeze, let the pork belly cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as above.
Do I have to roast it in the oven or can I fry it up in strips?
You can do either. Roasting gives you that slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth magic, while frying gets you crispy edges in no time. If you want the best of both worlds, roast it first, then give it a quick sear before serving.
What cut of meat is used for pork belly tacos?
Pork belly comes from the underside of the pig and is a rich, fatty cut that turns crispy and flavorful when roasted or seared.
Can I make pork belly ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Cook the pork belly in advance, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and crisp it up in the oven or skillet before assembling the tacos.

Nutrition

Calories: 1105kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 21gFat: 99gSaturated Fat: 35gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 46gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 1661mgPotassium: 436mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 377IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!