How to Make Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Are you a fan of tender, juicy, and flavorful meat? If so, then you need to try pork belly burnt ends. This delectable dish is a barbecue favorite that will leave your taste buds begging for more. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making pork belly burnt ends, step by step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering treat!

What are pork belly burnt ends?

Pork belly burnt ends are bite-sized pieces of pork belly that are seasoned, smoked, and glazed to perfection. They are typically made from the fatty part of the pork belly, which renders down during the cooking process, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The exterior of the burnt ends is caramelized and slightly crispy, while the interior is tender and succulent.

Step 1: Prepare the pork belly

Start by selecting a high-quality piece of pork belly from your local butcher or grocery store. Trim off any excess fat and square off the edges to ensure even cooking. Cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1.5 inches in size. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Season the pork belly

Generously season the pork belly cubes with your favorite dry rub. A classic combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well. Make sure to coat all sides of the cubes evenly. Allow the seasoned pork belly to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Smoke the pork belly

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C). Place the seasoned pork belly cubes directly on the smoker grates, leaving some space between each cube for proper airflow. Add a handful of wood chips or chunks to the smoker to create a flavorful smoke. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood are popular choices for smoking pork.

Step 4: Glaze the pork belly

After approximately 2 hours of smoking, it's time to glaze the pork belly cubes. Prepare a glaze by combining your favorite barbecue sauce, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze onto all sides of the pork belly cubes and return them to the smoker for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Once the pork belly burnt ends have reached an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) and the glaze has caramelized, remove them from the smoker. Allow the burnt ends to rest for a few minutes before serving. These little bites of heaven can be enjoyed on their own or served with pickles, coleslaw, or your favorite barbecue sides.

Now that you know how to make pork belly burnt ends, it's time to fire up your smoker and give it a try. With a little patience and a lot of flavor, you'll be serving up a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Happy smoking!