"Be Yourself" Smoked Pork Belly Ribs

If you're looking for an easy and delicious smoked pork belly recipe, look no further! This new recipe is perfect for any occasion, and is sure to please even the most discerning palate. Our smoked pork belly is rubbed with a blend of spices, then slow cooked to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

There's nothing quite like smoked pork belly. The rich, fatty flavor is irresistible, and when it's done right, the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The key is to cook the pork belly low and slow, so that the fat has a chance to render out without burning. 

If you're a fan of smoked bacon, you're going to love smoked pork belly. This delicious cut is essentially bacon on steroids – it's smokier, meatier, and richer than regular bacon. So if you're looking for something new and exciting to add to your menu, give smoked pork belly a try!

What Is Pork Belly?

The pork belly is a cut of meat on the underside of the pig that is located near the ribs and contains a high amount of fat. This fat is what gives the pork belly its signature flavor. Belly is often used in pork belly sandwiches or pork belly tacos. It can now be purchased at most supermarkets and any respectable butcher shop.

Depending on number of people you might want to go for a whole slab of pork belly. Since I was only cooking for one, I had my local butcher cut me a portion of the belly as in about five pounds of pork belly. I cut the slab into very thick individual pork belly slices.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with smoked pork belly)

Ingredients Needed To Smoke Pork Belly

I like using a dry brine for pork belly. It's a simple part of the cooking process that doesn't really add any real extra steps.

• Pork Belly - I actually used pork belly ribs, which is exactly what it sounds like - belly with the pork ribs attached. Regular pork belly is fine and great, but if you're lucky enough to access it go for it. The rib element adds a whole nutha vibe in a great way.
• Dry Rub Seasoning - I used a homemade jerk spice mix, but feel free to use any pork rub or others you like.
• Jerk BBQ Sauce - the sauce is used to glaze the pork belly during the last part of the smoking process. I used this Jerk BBQ sauce I made to keep in line with the Jamaican jerk flavor profile. You can also use store-bought jerk sauce or any other barbecue sauce of your choosing.

How To Smoke Pork Belly (step by step)

Mix together spices in a small bowl. Set aside.

Place the pork belly strips in an aluminum pan and season them generously with the dry spice rub. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Remove the belly from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature.

Pre-heat smoker to 225 degrees and set-yp for indirect heat.

Place the seasoned pork belly on the grill grates and slow cook for four hours.

Using the bbq sauce brush the pork belly the last hour of cook time.

Remove the finished pork belly off the grill and allow to rest at least 5 minutes before serving.

Using a sharp knife cut the pork into desired pieces/cuts.

Considerations and Tips for Making Smoked Pork Belly

For the best flavor allow the meat to marinate in the dry rub as long as possible.

Pork belly ribs are worth the effort to find them. Typically is a special cut you'll need to request of your butcher, but I've occasionally seen them on display at both a local grocery store and a butcher shop.

Feel free to use your favorite bbq sauce to glaze. Don't overthink things. Though I love my homemade Jerk BBQ sauce it does add a couple of extra steps to the overall recipe.

As the meat cooks you can make the sauce if making the homemade recipe.

Reserve some of the fresh pork belly to make pork belly burnt ends or pork belly bites. Both are great alternative uses for pork belly.

It's hard to dry out good pork belly. There is so much fat it's not a big risk. However if you're buying belly with the ribs attached you might want to spray with apple juice or apple cider vinegar as you cook to keep things moist.

Serve with potato salad, slaw, and baked beans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Smoking Pork Belly

What is the best type of wood for smoking pork belly?

I prefer to use Apple wood or oak to smoke pork. The fruity, mild flavors are good pairings with pork. Wood chips or chunks both work. If using the former make sure to soak the chips in water first so they don't burn too hot.

What can I do with leftover pork belly?

I like to reheat in slowly in the oven and eat as is again. Another option is to do a flash deep fry to add a nice crisp almost like carnitas.

What kind of smoker do you recommend?

I like to use either a pellet grill of my Kamado Joe ceramic smoker. But an electric smoker could work as well, just be mindful of the long cook time.

For other similar recipes try these:

Smoked St. Louis Ribs

Grilled Pork Chops

Air Fryer Ribs

Perfect 3-2-1 Ribs

Smoked Pork Chops

Fried Pork Steak

Smoked Rib Tips

Grilled Pork Steaks

Instant Pot Country-Style Ribs

Make this Recipe

Smoked pork belly is a delicious, succulent dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking to impress your guests at your next dinner party or just want something special to eat on a weekend afternoon, this recipe is sure to please. The best part? It’s really easy to make! All you need is some quality pork belly and a few simple ingredients. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

If you make this insanely delicious smoked hamburger recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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