Ingredients

1/4 cup Chinese five spice powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
one 3 1/2-pound piece pork belly
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves
1 onion , chopped
1/4 cup light soy sauce
3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 pieces star anise
8 ounces carrots
8 ounces daikon radishes
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 -3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons chili garlic
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 1/2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
twelve 5-inch flour tortillas or corn tortilla , for serving
fresh cilantro , chopped , for garnish
Banh Mi Tacos are a unique fusion dish that combines the flavors of Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine. The dish is built around slow-cooked pork belly that is flavored with Chinese five spice powder and brown sugar. The pork is then simmered in a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and star anise. The pickled vegetables add a bright, tangy note to the dish, which is balanced by the creamy sriracha mayo and the herbal freshness of cilantro. This dish is a perfect example of how a little bit of creativity and a willingness to experiment can lead to delicious and exciting culinary discoveries.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.Mix together the five-spice powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture onto the pork belly, making sure to coat all sides.
3.Place the pork belly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue cooking until the pork is cooked through and the skin is crispy, about 1 hour.
4.In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5.Add the soy sauces, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and star anise. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6.Add the roasted pork belly to the pot and spoon the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, until the pork is tender.
7.While the pork is cooking, make the pickled vegetables. Peel and julienne the carrots and daikon. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, rice vinegar, chili garlic, and fish sauce. Add the vegetables and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8.To make the sriracha mayo, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
9.Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions.
10.Serve the pork belly with the pickled vegetables, sriracha mayo, and cilantro, wrapped in warm tortillas.

PROS

Banh Mi Tacos are a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine that offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
The dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet.
The pickled carrots and daikon radishes add a bright, tangy flavor, while the cilantro offers a refreshing herbal note.

CONS

This recipe is relatively high in fat due to the pork belly, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, the recipe requires a bit of time to prepare due to the long cooking time for the pork belly and the pickling process for the vegetables.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Banh Mi Tacos offer a variety of health benefits. The dish is high in vitamin C due to the pickled vegetables, which can support immune function and skin health. The pork belly provides a good source of protein that can help to build and repair muscle tissue. Additionally, the use of spices like star anise and chili garlic can provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

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