Have you ever tried smoked pulled pork belly? If not, you're in for a treat! This versatile cut of meat is often overlooked but can yield incredibly delicious results. In this article, we'll explore how to smoke pork belly burnt ends, also known as pig candy, to create tender, flavorful bites that will leave you craving more.
What is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig. It has a high fat content, making it ideal for low and slow cooking methods like smoking. You may have unknowingly enjoyed pork belly in various forms, such as bacon, lardons, or chicharrons. However, when it comes to creating pork belly burnt ends, the flavor and texture take on a whole new level of deliciousness.
How to Smoke Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Before we dive into the smoking process, it's important to note that the internal temperature of pork should reach a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. However, for pork belly burnt ends, a higher internal temperature will result in a more tender and flavorful bite.
To begin, trim your pork belly slab to remove any hard fat, silver skin, and the skin from the fat cap. Then, cut the slab into 5-inch cubes. Cubing the pork belly ensures that each bite will be evenly coated with seasoning, sauce, and smoke on the grill.
Next, preheat your grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, use a grill that uses both charcoal and wood chunks to add a complex smoky flavor. Place the cubed pork belly on a wire cooking rack, making sure to leave a half-inch gap between each cube. Alternatively, you can place the burnt ends directly on the grill grates.
Smoke the pork belly cubes for three hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. After this time, they should have a beautiful mahogany color and have shrunk slightly due to the rendering of fat.
Transfer the smoked pork belly cubes into a foil pan and add butter, barbecue sauce, more seasoning, and honey for a sweet and tangy glaze. Cover the pan with foil and return it to the smoker for another 5 to 2 hours. This final step will ensure that the burnt ends are incredibly juicy and bursting with flavor.
Enjoying Smoked Pulled Pork Belly
Once your pork belly burnt ends are cooked to perfection, it's time to enjoy them! You can serve them as bite-sized flavor bombs at a gathering or get creative with leftovers.
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, consider using them in various dishes throughout the week. Crisp up the burnt ends in a skillet to make pork belly tacos, twice-baked pork belly potatoes, or even pork belly mac and cheese. The possibilities are endless, and these leftover creations will elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level.
Smoked pulled pork belly, or pork belly burnt ends, is a delicious twist on the classic beef brisket burnt ends. With its high fat content and slow cooking method, pork belly becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Whether you're enjoying them as bite-sized morsels or incorporating them into other dishes, smoked pulled pork belly is a must-try for any barbecue enthusiast. So fire up the grill, follow these steps, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible taste of smoked pork belly burnt ends.
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