How To Make Smoked Pork Belly

If you're craving tender, flavorful pork with a perfect balance of smokiness and richness, smoked pork belly is the dish for you! This recipe takes the indulgent cut of pork belly and elevates it with a slow smoking process that infuses it with deep, savory flavors.

With its crispy, caramelized exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior, smoked pork belly is sure to impress at any barbecue or family gathering. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or new to smoking, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to pork belly perfection. Let’s dive in and create something truly delicious!

Related Pork Belly Recipes:

• Pork Belly Ribs
• Pork Belly Burnt Ends
• Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Have you ever seen a pretty slab of pork belly and wondered what to do with it? If you have then I have the perfect recipe for you in the form of smoked pork belly. If you've never heard of it, then let me introduce you to the deliciousness of pork belly.

In the heart of the smoky Southern kitchens, where the rhythm of soul food reigns supreme, there exists a dish that embodies the very essence of flavor and soul. Picture yourself in a cozy, dimly lit barbecue joint, where the air is thick with the intoxicating melody of smoky, succulent pork belly. It's a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, tender and crispy, a culinary symphony that dances on your taste buds like a soulful serenade.

Today, we embark on a journey to explore the world of smoked pork belly, a dish that doesn't just fill your belly but also touches your soul. So, come on down to the crossroads of flavor and music, and let the soothing strains of soul guide your taste buds through the smoky, tender, and utterly irresistible world of smoked pork belly.

What Is Pork Belly

Pork belly is a boneless, fatty cut of pork meat taken from the underside or belly of the pig. It is the same cut that is used to make bacon. Simply put it's just cured bacon. It is known for its rich and tender meat with a generous layer of fat, which gives it a succulent and flavorful quality. Pork belly is a versatile cut and is used in various cuisines around the world.

It can be prepared in numerous ways, including roasting, braising, frying, or smoking, and is a key ingredient in dishes like bacon, pancetta, and the popular Chinese dish known as "pork belly buns." Its combination of meat and fat makes it prized for its ability to become tender and flavorful when cooked.

Beats and Eats (Music to Pair with Smoked Pork Belly)

The Gap Band's song "I'm in Love" is a fantastic pairing with a smoked pork belly recipe for several reasons:

1. Soulful Vibes: The song exudes a soulful and smooth vibe that perfectly complements the comforting and indulgent nature of smoked pork belly. Both the music and the dish create a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
2. Sensory Pleasure: "I'm in Love" delivers a sensory pleasure through its groovy rhythms and melodic vocals, much like the sensory delight you experience when savoring the smoky, tender, and flavorful pork belly.
3. Romantic Undertones: The song's romantic undertones can playfully mirror the love many have for the delicious pork belly, making the pairing a delightful and whimsical experience.
4. Mood Enhancement: Music has the power to enhance the mood of a dining experience, and The Gap Band's tune adds a layer of enjoyment and excitement to the meal, making it a memorable culinary journey.

In essence, the song "I'm in Love" enhances the overall dining experience by creating a harmonious fusion of soulful music and delectable smoked pork belly, making it an enticing and enjoyable pairing.

Ingredients Needed For Cooking Pork Belly Slab

• Pork Belly - has a rich, savory, and meaty flavor that is characterized by its combination of tender meat and layers of creamy, melting fat. The fat in pork belly, when cooked, becomes incredibly flavorful and succulent, infusing the meat with a satisfying richness.
• Allspice - has a unique flavor that combines the tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This complex blend of sweet and warm spices complements the rich and savory nature of pork belly, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Smoked Sweet Paprika - The earthy and slightly sweet notes in smoked paprika complement the rich and savory character of pork belly, resulting in a well-balanced and satisfying taste.
• Kosher Salt - Kosher salt has larger, flakier crystals compared to table salt, which makes it excellent for seasoning meats. When applied to pork belly, the salt's larger crystals adhere well to the surface, enhancing the flavor of the meat without overwhelming it. Kosher salt provides a balanced seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the pork belly. Its clean, pure saltiness complements the richness of the meat without introducing any unwanted flavors.
• Black Pepper - Black pepper provides a balanced and slightly spicy flavor that complements the richness and savory nature of pork belly. It adds a layer of complexity to the dish without overwhelming the palate.
• Cayenne Pepper
• Brown Sugar
• Chili Powder (optional)
• Onion Powder (optional)

Smoked Pork Belly Recipe (Step By Step)

Season the whole pork belly overnight with dry rub (paprika, salt, pepper, allspice, brown sugar, cayenne)

Prepare smoker for low and slow smoking off direct heat. Add seasoned pork belly meat and smoke at 225-250 for three hours or internal temp reaches 165 degrees F

Remove pork belly from the grill. Wrap the pork belly in butcher paper and smoke for another hour.

Remove and allow the pork to rest.

Cut into thick slices and eat as you would a beef brisket along with your favorite bbq sauce.

How to serve smoked pork belly strips?

Smoked pork belly strips are a delectable and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve smoked pork belly strips as a flavorful appetizer or finger food. Lay them out on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and provide toothpicks for easy snacking.
2. In Tacos: Create delicious pork belly tacos by placing smoked strips inside warm tortillas. Top with your favorite taco fixings, such as salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and slaw.
3. In Sandwiches: Create mouthwatering pork belly sandwiches by placing smoked pork belly strips on fresh bread or rolls. You can include classic sandwich fixings like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
4. As a Main Course: Make smoked pork belly the star of the show by serving it as the main course. Accompany it with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal.
5. In Ramen or Noodles: Incorporate smoked pork belly into a bowl of ramen or noodle soup. Its rich, smoky flavor can elevate the broth and add a delightful twist to your bowl.

What To Serve With Smoked Pork Belly

Smoked pork belly pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside smoked pork belly:

1. Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky and fatty pork belly.
2. Baked Beans: Smoked pork belly and baked beans are a classic combination, with the beans absorbing the smoky flavors.
3. Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the richness of pork belly.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or asparagus, offer a flavorful and nutritious option.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a hearty and satisfying side dish that complements the pork belly.
6. Pickles: Pickles or pickled vegetables provide a zesty and crunchy element to balance the flavors.
7. Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob is a seasonal and delicious side that pairs well with smoky flavors.
8. Sauces: Serve your smoked pork belly with a variety of dipping and drizzling sauces, such as barbecue sauce, mustard, or aioli, for a customized flavor experience.
9. Pickled Red Onions: Pickled red onions offer a tangy and colorful garnish that pairs well with the smoky meat.

Tips To Maximize Flavor

To maximize the flavor when smoking pork belly, follow these key tips:

1. Select Quality Pork Belly: Start with a high-quality cut of pork belly. Look for fresh, well-marbled pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. The quality of the meat will greatly impact the final flavor.
2. Dry Brine: Season the pork belly generously with kosher salt and any desired seasonings. Allowing the pork belly to dry brine in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight will enhance flavor and moisture retention.
3. Add Flavorful Rub: Create a flavorful dry rub using a mix of spices and herbs that complement the pork's natural richness. Common spices include black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
4. Low and Slow Cooking: Smoke the pork belly at a low and consistent temperature, typically between 225°F and 250°F (107°C-121°C). This slow cooking method allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavors gradually.
5. Cook Fat Side Up: You definitely want to go this route. Cooking fat side up allows the rendered fat to drip down into the meat adding both flavor and tenderness.
6. Use Fruit or Hardwood Smoke: Consider using fruitwoods like apple or cherry, or hardwoods like oak and hickory, which can impart a complementary smoky flavor to the pork belly. Avoid strong woods that may overpower the meat.
7. Baste with Flavor: Periodically baste the pork belly with a flavorful liquid, such as apple juice, apple cider vinegar, beer, or a mix of your rub ingredients. This adds moisture and depth to the flavor.
8. Wrap for Tenderness: To maximize tenderness and flavor, consider wrapping the pork belly in foil or butcher paper during the smoking process. This helps retain moisture and intensifies the smoky essence.
9. Resting Period: After smoking, allow the pork belly to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute juices and locks in flavor.
10. Experiment with Sauces: Serve the smoked pork belly with a variety of sauces or condiments to allow for customizable flavor combinations. Consider classic barbecue sauces, sweet glazes, or tangy mustards.

Where To Buy Pork Belly?

You can buy pork belly from various places, both in-person and online. Here are some options:

1. Local Butcher Shops: Visit your local butcher shop or meat market. They often carry a variety of cuts of pork, including pork belly.
2. Supermarkets: Many larger supermarkets carry pork belly, especially those with well-stocked meat departments. You can ask the butcher for assistance.
3. Asian Markets: Asian grocery stores are often a great place to find pork belly, as it's a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines.
4. Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers and specialty meat suppliers offer the convenience of ordering pork belly online and having it delivered to your doorstep.
5. Local Farms: If you prefer locally sourced meat, you can consider contacting local farms or farmers' markets that raise and sell pork. Some may offer pork belly for sale.

How Long to Smoke Pork Belly?

Smoking time is going to depend on size and thickness of the pork belly. I cooked a 4 pounder for about three hours plus 1 hour wrapped for 4 total hours. I recommend using a meat thermometer and cooking the pork until it reads about 160 degrees F.

What Wood to Use for Smoking?

For smoking pork belly, several woods work exceptionally well, each imparting a unique flavor profile to the meat. Here are some popular wood options for smoking pork belly:

1. Apple: Applewood offers a sweet and mild fruitiness that pairs beautifully with pork belly. It adds a pleasant, subtle smokiness without overwhelming the meat's natural flavors.
2. Cherry: Cherry wood provides a slightly sweet and fruity smoke flavor, enhancing the pork belly's richness. It's a fantastic choice, especially if you enjoy a touch of fruity essence in your smoked dishes.
3. Hickory: Hickory is known for its strong, robust, and bacon-like flavor. When smoking pork belly, it can create a rich and savory smokiness that complements the meat's fattiness.
4. Pecan: Pecan wood imparts a milder and slightly nutty smoke flavor. It complements the pork belly's flavor and is an excellent choice if you prefer a subtler smokiness.
5. Oak: Oak is a versatile wood that delivers a medium to strong smoke flavor. It can enhance the richness of pork belly, providing a well-rounded smokiness.

To make smoked pork belly slices crispy, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Cut: Start with a high-quality pork belly. Look for a cut with a good balance of meat and fat, which is essential for achieving crispy results.
2. Preparation: Before smoking, dry the pork belly slices thoroughly using paper towels. Excess moisture can hinder crisping.
3. Seasoning: Season the slices with your preferred dry rub or seasoning. Ensure that the seasoning contains enough salt, which can help draw moisture to the surface, aiding in crispiness.
4. Low and Slow Smoking: Smoke the pork belly slices at a low and consistent temperature, usually around 225-250°F (107-121°C). Low and slow cooking allows the fat to render slowly, leading to a crispy exterior.
5. Crank Up the Heat: To further crisp up the skin, increase the cooking temperature or move the slices closer to the direct heat source for a few minutes. This step should be done carefully to prevent burning. You can also broil them fat side up for 1-2 minutes as well as flash fry them quickly in a deep fryer.

For Leftover Pork Belly Ideas Consider:

Cut into pork belly cubes and smoke them longer glazed with your favorite sauce to make pork belly burnt ends. I also like to make an old school pork and beans recipe with white beans and smoky chunks of pork belly.

Making Smoked Pork Belly

Just as a soulful ballad leaves a lasting impression, this culinary masterpiece lingers in memory, a harmonious blend of richness and smokiness that awakens the senses.

So, take a bow if you've made this for you've orchestrated a symphony of flavor that resonates with the heart and soul, and your kitchen has truly become a stage where soulful magic happens.

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