If you're ready to elevate your barbecue game to legendary status, then look no further than these mouthwatering Barbecued Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends! Imagine tender, smoky bites that melt in your mouth, bursting with flavor and coated in a luscious barbecue glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a weekend treat, this recipe will have your friends and family begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds! With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that rivals any barbecue joint. Get ready to impress with this ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork belly
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 3 lbs of pork belly and ensure it is thawed if previously frozen. Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of paprika, 2 tablespoons of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Once the dry rub is mixed, generously coat each piece of pork belly with the rub, ensuring all sides are covered. You can use your hands to massage the rub into the meat for better flavor absorption.
- After seasoning, wrap the pork belly cubes in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, consider letting it marinate overnight.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you are using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect cooking and add wood chips (like hickory or apple) for smoke flavor.
- Once the smoker or grill is ready, place the pork belly cubes directly on the grates. Close the lid and smoke the pork belly for about 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches around 190°F (88°C). This low and slow cooking process will render the fat and make the pork belly tender.
- After 4 hours, remove the smoked pork belly from the smoker and place it in a large aluminum foil pan. Drizzle 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the smoked pork belly and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Cover the aluminum pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the smoker. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 hours, until the pork belly burnt ends are caramelized and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the pan from the smoker and let the burnt ends rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute.
- After resting, serve the barbecued smoked pork belly burnt ends warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, or served with additional barbecue sauce on the side. Pair them with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Pork Belly: For the best results, select a high-quality pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. This will ensure your burnt ends are tender and flavorful.
- Marinate Overnight: While 30 minutes of marinating will enhance the flavor, letting the pork belly sit in the rub overnight in the fridge will allow the spices to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more robust taste.
- Control the Temperature: Maintaining a consistent smoking temperature of 225°F (107°C) is crucial for rendering the fat and achieving that perfect tenderness. Invest in a good meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature accurately.
- Experiment with Wood Chips: Different wood chips can impart unique flavors to your burnt ends. Try hickory for a strong smoky taste or applewood for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Don’t skip the resting period after cooking! Allowing the burnt ends to rest for 10-15 minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious.
- Serve with Style: These burnt ends are fantastic on their own, but consider serving them with a variety of sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread to create a complete barbecue experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 707kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 60g
Fat: 50g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 150mg
