Delicious Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends Recipe

Smoked pork belly burnt ends are a mouthwatering delicacy that is sure to impress your guests at any barbecue. This dish, which originated from the Kansas City barbecue scene, is a twist on the traditional beef brisket burnt ends. Instead of beef, this recipe uses pork belly, which is smoked until it’s tender and caramelized with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. The result is a bite-sized piece of meat that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make smoked pork belly burnt ends:

• 5 lbs of pork belly
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup of honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own delicious smoked pork belly burnt ends:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly: Start by cutting the pork belly into 1.5-inch cubes. This size is ideal because it allows the pork belly to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices and smoke.
2. Season the Pork Belly: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and then generously coat each cube of pork belly with the spice mixture.
3. Smoke the Pork Belly: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the seasoned pork belly cubes on the smoker and cook for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
4. Glaze the Pork Belly: In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and honey. Remove the pork belly from the smoker and toss them in the barbecue sauce mixture until they’re well coated.
5. Finish the Pork Belly: Return the glazed pork belly cubes to the smoker and cook for an additional hour, or until the barbecue sauce has caramelized and the pork belly is tender.

Do You Know?

Did you know that the term “burnt ends” originally referred to the flavorful pieces of meat cut from the “point” half of a smoked beef brisket? These pieces were often overcooked and therefore considered “burnt.” However, they were also incredibly flavorful and soon became a sought-after delicacy. Today, the term “burnt ends” has expanded to include similar preparations of other meats, like pork belly.

Interesting Facts and Anecdotes

Here are some interesting facts and anecdotes about smoked pork belly burnt ends:

• The popularity of pork belly has skyrocketed in recent years. According to a report by the National Pork Board, pork belly consumption in the United States increased by over 20% between 2011 and 2016.
• While pork belly is often associated with bacon, it’s actually a versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in many different ways. In addition to being smoked for burnt ends, it can also be braised, roasted, or even used to make pork belly tacos.
• Despite its name, pork belly doesn’t actually come from the belly of the pig. Instead, it’s cut from the pig’s underside, near the loin.

Conclusion

Smoked pork belly burnt ends are a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any barbecue. They’re a bit time-consuming to make, but the end result is well worth the effort. The combination of the smoky pork belly, the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and the crispy caramelized exterior is truly irresistible. So why not give this recipe a try at your next barbecue? Your guests are sure to be impressed!