Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe recreates the incredible, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly experience you'd find at your favorite Bartaco, but with the convenience of homemade cooking. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a more impressive weekend meal. Get ready to experience the juicy, flavorful magic of this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork belly, skin scored
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Pork Belly
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the pork belly generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps develop a delicious crust.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Remove the pork belly from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmering the Pork Belly
Return the pork belly to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Oven Baking
Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop, then transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Cover the pot and bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork belly is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Shredding and Serving
Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork belly. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can either serve the shredded pork belly directly in the cooking liquid, or thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes.
Tips for the Best Bartaco Pork Belly:
- Scoring the skin: Scoring the pork belly's skin before cooking allows for crispier skin and helps render the fat more evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space in your pot to properly brown the pork belly. You may need to do this in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! The pork belly can be cooked a day in advance and reheated.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Citrusy: Increase the amount of orange and lime juice for a more vibrant citrus flavor.
- Sweet and savory: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 30-35g Fat: Approximately 30-35g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe yields a healthy and delicious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend feast. Enjoy your homemade Bartaco-style pork belly! Serve it with your favorite sides – rice, tortillas, or a simple salad all complement this incredibly flavorful dish beautifully. The possibilities are endless!