Weight Watchers-Friendly Crispy Pork Belly Tacos

Weight Watchers-Friendly Crispy Pork Belly Tacos
Weight Watchers-Friendly Crispy Pork Belly Tacos

Ingredients:

• For the Tacos:
  • 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch thick strips (leaner substitute for pork belly)
  • 8 oz. turkey or chicken sausage (lean substitute for chorizo)
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, strained (use in moderation)
  • 8 small corn tortillas (lower in points than flour tortillas)
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican Oaxaca cheese
  • Diced onion (to taste)
  • Chopped cilantro (to taste)
  • Optional: fresh lime juice or Weight Watchers-friendly Avocado Lime Crema (recipe below)
• For the Avocado Lime Crema:
  • 1 large avocado
  • 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (substitute for sour cream)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
  • 1/2 cup cilantro
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
   • Cut the pork tenderloin into 1/4-inch thick strips. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Heat a griddle or skillet to medium heat and set up two zones: hot and cool.
   • Sear the pork tenderloin strips in the hot zone for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
   • Remove the pork tenderloin from the griddle, chop into small chunks, and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • Add the turkey or chicken sausage to the hot zone and cook for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped pork tenderloin back to the griddle with the sausage.
   • Strain the crushed pineapple and add it to the griddle. Mix everything together and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
   • Slide the mixture to the cool zone to keep it warm.
3. Prepare the Tacos:
   • Turn the burner to low and clean the griddle surface.
   • Toast one side of the corn tortillas on the griddle.
   • Flip the tortillas and sprinkle with the reduced-fat cheese mixture.
   • Once the cheese starts to melt, add the pork tenderloin, sausage, and pineapple filling.
   • Fold the tortillas in half to form tacos and crisp on both sides until golden brown.
   • Remove the tacos from the griddle and garnish with diced onion and chopped cilantro.
   • Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos or drizzle with Avocado Lime Crema.
4. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema:
   • In a blender, combine the avocado, fat-free Greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk or skim milk, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
   • Blend until smooth. Drizzle over tacos or serve as a dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Lean Proteins: Substituting pork tenderloin for pork belly and turkey/chicken sausage for chorizo significantly reduces the fat and points while keeping the flavor intact.
• Reduced-Fat Cheese: Using reduced-fat cheese options helps maintain a rich taste while lowering points.
• Portion Control: Use smaller tortillas and moderate portions of the filling to control points and calorie intake.
• Avocado Lime Crema: This lighter version uses fat-free Greek yogurt instead of full-fat sour cream, reducing points while adding protein.

Benefits:

• Lower in Points: Leaner cuts of meat and reduced-fat dairy make this version of the recipe more Weight Watchers-friendly.
• High in Protein: The lean meats and Greek yogurt contribute to a high-protein meal, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.
• Rich in Flavor: Despite the lighter ingredients, the tacos remain flavorful and satisfying due to the use of spices, fresh herbs, and lime.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Taco, Makes 8 Tacos):

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: ~18g
• Fat: ~10g
  • Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sugars: ~3g
• Weight Watchers Points: Approximately 5-6 points per taco (depending on specific brands and portions used)

These Weight Watchers-friendly Crispy Pork Tenderloin Tacos offer a delicious and satisfying meal while helping you stay on track with your points!