Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich pork belly slow-roasted and finished with a tangy tamarind glaze, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork belly, skin scored, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 2 lbs pork belly scored skin with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place on a roasting rack skin side up.
  2. Step 2: Roast pork belly for 2.5 hours until tender and fat has rendered.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened to a glaze.
  4. Step 4: Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush tamarind glaze generously over pork belly skin and roast for an additional 15 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork belly and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Fill each with slices of glazed pork belly, 1/8 cup shredded red cabbage, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  7. Step 7: Serve tacos with lime wedges for squeezing fresh juice over top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork belly, skin scored from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Tacos?

Mexican pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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