Bartaco-Style Pork Belly Tacos Árbol Chili Glaze

12h
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Toast chiles de árbol briefly for 10 seconds.
  2. 2Soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Blend all chili glaze ingredients until smooth.
  4. 4Simmer the glaze for 4–6 minutes until glossy and syrupy.
  5. 5Season pork belly generously with salt and pepper.
  6. 6Vacuum seal the seasoned pork belly (no oil needed).
  7. 7Cook the pork belly at 165°F (74°C) for 12–14 hours.
  8. 8Place the cooked pork belly in an ice bath for 15 minutes, then chill fully for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
  9. 9Slice the chilled pork belly into ¾-inch pieces.
  10. 10Sear the pork belly hard in a hot pan with a little neutral oil or deep fry.
  11. 11Add the árbol glaze to the seared pork belly, toss quickly until lacquered and sticky.
  12. 12Pull the glazed pork belly immediately to prevent burning the sugars.
  13. 13Heat vinegar, sugar, and salt for the pickled red onions.
  14. 14Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the thin-sliced red onions.
  15. 15Rest the pickled red onions for 20 minutes.
  16. 16Warm small corn tortillas.
  17. 17Assemble the tacos with crispy glazed pork belly, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and a tiny squeeze of lime.

Ingredients

  • 4 dried chiles de árbol, stems removed
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp rice or white vinegar
  • 3 tbsp honey or agave
  • 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1.5 tsp soy sauce
  • 1.5 tsp lime juice
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp chile soaking liquid
  • 1 lb skinless pork belly
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 red onion, thin sliced
  • 0.5 cup vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • Warm small corn tortillas
  • Crispy glazed pork belly
  • Pickled red onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • 1 squeeze lime

Equipment

hot panvacuum sealerice bath

Tips

  • For the chili glaze, do not burn the sugars when tossing with the pork belly.
  • Chill the sous-vide pork belly fully for at least 2 hours, overnight is ideal.
  • Sear pork belly hard in a hot pan or deep fry.