The Ultimate Guide to Smoking Pork Belly Burnt Ends

If you're a fan of barbecue, then you've probably heard of pork belly burnt ends. This delicious dish is a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts, and for good reason. Pork belly burnt ends are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. If you've never tried making them before, don't worry. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of smoking pork belly burnt ends to perfection.

What You'll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

• Pork belly
• Your favorite barbecue rub
• Barbecue sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Butter

Equipment

• Smoker
• Wood chips or chunks
• Aluminum foil
• Baking sheet

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Belly

Start by preparing the pork belly. Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the surface, and then cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes. Once the pork belly is cubed, season it generously with your favorite barbecue rub. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Smoking the Pork Belly

Now it's time to fire up the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C) and add your choice of wood chips or chunks. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood are all great options for smoking pork belly burnt ends.

Once the smoker is up to temperature and the wood is producing smoke, place the seasoned pork belly cubes directly on the smoker racks. Let the pork belly smoke for 2-3 hours, or until it develops a rich, mahogany-colored bark.

Step 3: Braising the Pork Belly

After the pork belly has smoked to perfection, it's time to braise it. Place the smoked pork belly cubes in a disposable aluminum pan and sprinkle them with brown sugar. Add a few cubes of butter and a generous drizzle of honey over the top. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to create a seal.

Return the pan to the smoker and continue cooking the pork belly for an additional 2-3 hours. The braising process will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with sweet, sticky flavor.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the pork belly is tender and caramelized, it's time to add the finishing touches. Remove the pan from the smoker and carefully uncover it. Brush the pork belly cubes with your favorite barbecue sauce, making sure to coat each piece evenly.

Return the pan to the smoker, uncovered, for a final 30 minutes to allow the barbecue sauce to caramelize and form a sticky glaze on the pork belly burnt ends.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

Once the pork belly burnt ends are finished, remove them from the smoker and transfer them to a serving platter. These delectable bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the smoker, so be sure to serve them right away.

Pork belly burnt ends are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for salads and sandwiches. However you choose to enjoy them, one thing is for sure – they're guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue gathering.

So there you have it – a step-by-step guide to smoking pork belly burnt ends. With a little time and patience, you can create a mouthwatering barbecue delicacy that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and get ready to enjoy the incredible flavors of homemade pork belly burnt ends.