Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends: The Poor Man’s Version

A tasty recipe we liked from saucedupfoods.com.
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Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends: The Poor Man’s Version:

American, Pork · June 28, 2024

If you’re a fan of barbecue, you’ve likely heard of burnt ends – those succulent, flavorful pieces of meat typically made from the point end of a brisket. But did you know that you can achieve the same delicious results with pork belly, and for a fraction of the cost and time? Enter the poor man’s pork belly burnt ends. These smoky, caramelized bites are the perfect combination of tender meat and rich, smoky flavor. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will make you the hero of your next barbecue.

Tips for Perfect Pork Belly Burnt Ends:

Cut Evenly: Ensure that the pork belly cubes are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking and seasoning.

Patience: Don’t rush the smoking process. The low and slow method is essential for rendering the fat and breaking down the connective tissues, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Sauce Control: When adding the BBQ sauce, ensure the pork belly cubes are well coated but not swimming in sauce. The goal is to caramelize the sauce on the meat, not to stew it.

Serving Suggestions:

Pork belly burnt ends are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Main Dish: Serve with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread.

In Sandwiches: Pile the burnt ends high on a toasted bun with pickles and extra BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering sandwich.

As Appetizers: Serve them as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering. They’re sure to be a hit!

These smoked pork belly burnt ends are an affordable, easy-to-make alternative to traditional burnt ends, offering the same great flavor with less time and cost. Perfect for your next backyard barbecue or weekend cookout, these savory, smoky bites are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

These smoked pork belly burnt ends deliver all the bold, smoky flavors of traditional burnt ends without the cost or time commitment of brisket. Slow-smoked to perfection, these caramelized, tender bites are coated in a rich homemade BBQ sauce, making them the ultimate barbecue indulgence. Perfect for backyard cookouts, game days, or a hearty meal, this affordable take on a classic will be a hit with any BBQ lover!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, bbq

Equipment

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board

Mixing Bowl

Smoker or Grill

Wood Chips

Disposable Aluminum Pan

Meat Thermometer

Medium Saucepan

Tongs

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly Burnt Ends:

2 lbs pork belly cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp cayenne pepper

¼ cup brown sugar

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup molasses

1 tbsp cane sugar

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures even cooking and maximum seasoning penetration.

Step 2: Season the Pork Belly

In a mixing bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar to create a flavorful dry rub.

Toss the pork belly cubes in the seasoning blend, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Smoker

Set your smoker to 250°F (121°C). Add your favorite wood chips or chunks (hickory, apple, or cherry are great options).

Step 4: Smoke the Pork Belly

Place the seasoned pork belly cubes directly on the smoker grates or on a wire rack for easy handling.

Smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). The fat will render, creating tender, smoky bites.

Step 5: Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce

While the pork belly is smoking, prepare the BBQ sauce.

In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, molasses, cane sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Sauce the Pork Belly

Once the pork belly cubes are done smoking, transfer them to a disposable aluminum pan.

Pour the homemade BBQ sauce over the pork belly, tossing to coat evenly.

Cover the pan with foil and return to the smoker for 1 to 1.5 more hours, or until the sauce caramelizes and the pork belly reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C).

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Keyword High-Protein, low-carb, pork, smoked

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