Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico! Our Coffee Rubbed Roasted Pork Belly Tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience that combines the rich, smoky essence of coffee with the succulent tenderness of perfectly roasted pork belly. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply treating yourself to a gourmet night in, these tacos are sure to impress. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, each bite is a delightful journey of flavor that you won’t want to miss. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to elevate your taco game to extraordinary heights!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Coffee grounds
- Brown sugar
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Tortillas
- Onion
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help render the fat from the pork belly and make it tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to create a dry rub.
- Take the pork belly and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the rub adhere better and promote a crispy skin.
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides. For best results, let the pork belly sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Place the pork belly on a roasting rack in a baking dish, skin side up. This will allow the fat to drip away from the meat as it cooks.
- Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy. You may want to check it halfway through cooking and baste it with its own rendered fat for added moisture and flavor.
- Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- While the pork belly is resting, prepare your toppings. Finely chop the onion and cilantro, and set them aside.
- After resting, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces or strips, depending on your preference.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or directly over a flame until they are pliable and slightly charred.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the sliced pork belly on each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of chopped onion and cilantro.
- Serve the tacos warm with additional toppings such as lime wedges or your favorite salsa, if desired. Enjoy your Coffee Rubbed Roasted Pork Belly Tacos!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality pork belly and freshly ground coffee. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your tacos will be!
- Let the Rub Marinate: After applying the coffee rub, letting the pork belly sit for 15 minutes at room temperature allows the spices to infuse deeper into the meat, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Monitor the Cooking Process: Keep an eye on the pork belly as it roasts. Basting it with its own rendered fat halfway through cooking will help keep it moist and flavorful.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the pork belly to rest after roasting is crucial. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Warm Your Tortillas: For the best taco experience, warm your tortillas just before serving. This makes them pliable and adds a lovely charred flavor that complements the pork perfectly.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema to elevate your tacos even further.
- Serve with Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the pork belly beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
