Garlic and Fennel Pork Chops
Tender pork chops seasoned with fennel seeds, garlic oil, and chilli, seared until golden, then finished in the oven. Drizzled with a sweet-tart balsamic reduction.
Crispy pork belly tacos with homemade maize tortillas, fresh toppings, and a spicy marinade. A proper Mexican-inspired dish that brings bold flavours together in one bite.
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and it's easy to see why. With simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavours, they offer something special in every bite.
This recipe features tender pork belly slices, marinated in a blend of spices and citrus, then roasted until crispy.
As the pork belly roasts, the spices caramelise and create a flavour-packed crust that's absolutely worth the wait.The marinade combines chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a squeeze of lime juice to create layers of heat and depth that work beautifully with the rich pork.
What makes this recipe stand out is the homemade maize tortillas. Using just tortilla flour, salt, and lukewarm water, you can make soft, pliable discs that are far better than anything from a packet. The dough comes together quickly and after a short rest, it presses or rolls out easily. Cooking them in a hot pan gives them those characteristic charred spots and a proper corn flavour that shop-bought versions rarely match.
Once assembled, each taco is layered with crunchy iceberg lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy pickled red onions, and fresh tomato. Finish with a drizzle of hot sauce, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and sliced red chilli for a bit of colour and heat. The combination of textures and flavours makes these tacos feel like a real treat, whether it's a midweek meal or something for the weekend.
Serve with lime wedges on the side, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Pairs well with Mexican rice or black beans.
For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper and chilli powder by half. You can also swap pork belly for chicken thighs or prawns for a lighter option.
Did you make this? What did you think?
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