Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

This Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly recipe combines tender smoked pork belly, an Asian-style rub, sticky barbecue sauce, and crispy edges for a bold BBQ recipe packed with sweet, savory, and smoky flavor.

If you are looking for a new way to enjoy smoked pork belly, this Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly recipe is a must-try. Thick slices of pork belly are seasoned with a flavorful Asian-style rub, smoked low and slow, then finished with a crispy exterior and a sticky barbecue sauce glaze.

The smoking process creates tender meat with incredible smoky flavor, while the final crisping step adds the perfect texture. Additionally, toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo bring fresh flavor and a little heat to every bite.

This recipe is one of my favorite ways to prepare pork belly because it combines traditional BBQ techniques with Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you are making this for a weekend cookout, game day, or a unique main course, this smoked pork belly recipe delivers incredible flavor.

What Is Pork Belly?

Pork belly is a flavorful cut of meat that comes from the underside of the pig. Because it contains layers of meat and fat, pork belly is perfect for slow cooking methods like smoking.

During the smoking process, the fat slowly renders while the meat absorbs the smoky flavor from the smoker. As a result, you get tender meat with a rich flavor and crispy edges.

Unlike leaner cuts of pork, pork belly has a higher fat content that helps keep the meat juicy throughout the cook. When prepared correctly, it creates some of the best pork belly you can make on a smoker.

Why Smoke Pork Belly?

Smoking pork belly is one of the best ways to bring out its natural flavor. The low-and-slow cooking process allows the fat to break down while creating layers of smoky BBQ flavor.

For this recipe, the pork belly is sliced into smaller pieces before smoking. This creates more surface area for the seasoning and smoke to develop a flavorful crust.

Additionally, finishing the pork belly in the air fryer creates crispy pork belly edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

• The Asian-style rub creates bold flavor with simple ingredients.
• Smoking creates tender meat with incredible BBQ flavor.
• The crispy finish adds the perfect texture.
• Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce creates a sweet and sticky glaze.
• Green onions and sesame seeds add fresh flavor and texture.
• This recipe works great as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

Smoked Pork Belly

• 2 pounds Pork Belly
• 4 tbsp Korean BBQ Rub (Spiceology)
• 3 tbsp Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce
• 3 tbsp Sriracha Mayo
• 3 tbsp Green Onions, sliced
• 1 tsp Sesame Seeds

Fresh Homemade Guacamole

• 4 ripe Avocados
• 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 2 Jalapeño Peppers, diced
• ¼ cup Red Onion, finely diced
• Juice from ½ Lime
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper

How to Make Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

Begin by cutting the pork belly into slices about 1 inch thick and approximately 4 inches long.

Next, place the pork belly slices on a wire rack. Use Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce as a binder, then season all sides generously with the Korean BBQ rub.

This Asian-style rub creates a flavorful crust during the smoking process and helps build incredible flavor throughout the pork belly.

2. Smoke the Pork Belly

Preheat your smoker to 250°F.

Once the smoker reaches temperature, place the pork belly slices away from direct heat.

Smoke the pork belly for approximately 3-4 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 185°F.

During the cook, the smoke slowly works into the pork belly while the fat renders, creating tender meat and a flavorful BBQ crust.

3. Prepare the Fresh Homemade Guacamole

Meanwhile, prepare the homemade guacamole while the pork belly continues through the smoking process.

Combine the avocados, fresh cilantro, jalapeño peppers, red onion, lime juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.

Mix thoroughly, then refrigerate until serving. The fresh guacamole adds a cool and creamy contrast to the rich smoky flavor of the pork belly.

4. Crisp the Smoked Pork Belly

Once the pork belly reaches an internal temperature of 185°F, remove it from the smoker.

Next, place the smoked pork belly slices in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side until the outside becomes crispy.

This final stage creates crispy pork belly edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The combination of smoky flavor and a crisp exterior takes this recipe to a whole new level.

5. Add the Asian-Inspired Finish

After the pork belly becomes crispy, place it on a cutting board or serving platter.

Drizzle Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce and sriracha mayo over the top. Then, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

The sticky barbecue sauce glaze, fresh toppings, and smoky pork belly create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly with fresh homemade guacamole for dipping or alongside your favorite BBQ sides.

This recipe is one of my favorite ways to enjoy pork belly because every bite delivers smoky flavor, tender meat, crispy edges, and bold Asian-inspired BBQ flavors.

Expert Tips On Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

• Choose premium quality pork belly with good marbling for the best results.
• Cut the pork belly into similar-sized pieces so each slice cooks evenly.
• Using a wire rack makes seasoning and transferring the pork belly much easier.
• Allow the smoker to maintain a consistent 250°F temperature throughout the cooking process.
• Use an internal temperature probe to check when the pork belly is ready.
• Finish the pork belly right before serving to keep the outside crispy.

Variations

• Add extra sriracha mayo if you prefer more heat.
• Boost spice levels by adding crushed red pepper flakes or additional Korean BBQ seasoning.
• Cut the pork belly into smaller pieces and turn them into Asian-style smoked pork belly burnt ends.
• Serve over rice for an easy BBQ-inspired meal.
• Add a fresh cucumber salad for a lighter side option.

Storage

Store leftover smoked pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For the best texture, reheat the pork belly in the air fryer until the edges become crispy again.

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the pork belly in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Store the homemade guacamole separately and enjoy it within a few days for the freshest flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

What temperature should smoked pork belly reach? Smoked pork belly is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 185°F for this recipe. This allows the fat to render while creating tender meat with incredible flavor.

How long does it take to smoke pork belly? The smoking time depends on the thickness of the slices, but this recipe takes approximately 3-4 hours at 250°F.

Can I use a different BBQ sauce? Yes. While Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce creates a unique Asian-inspired flavor, you can substitute your favorite barbecue sauce.

What makes this an Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly recipe? The combination of Korean BBQ rub, Japanese barbecue sauce, sesame seeds, green onions, and sriracha mayo creates the Asian-inspired flavor profile in this recipe.

What is the best way to serve smoked pork belly? This smoked pork belly works great as an appetizer, main course, or BBQ dish. Serve it with fresh guacamole, rice, vegetables, or your favorite taco-style toppings.

Final Thoughts On Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly

Asian Style Smoked Pork Belly is the perfect combination of traditional BBQ and Asian-inspired flavors. The slow smoking process creates tender meat with incredible smoky flavor, while the sticky barbecue sauce glaze adds the perfect sweet and savory finish.

With crispy edges, fresh toppings, and bold seasoning, this recipe takes smoked pork belly to a whole new level. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or your next backyard BBQ, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

More Delicious Pork Recipes

Chili Garlic Pork Belly – Tender smoked pork belly coated in a bold chili garlic sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Hot Honey Lemon Pork Belly – Smoked pork belly finished with a sweet and tangy hot honey lemon glaze.

Crispy BBQ Pork Belly – Slow-smoked pork belly finished with crispy edges and your favorite BBQ sauce.

Smoked Sweet Pineapple Pork Belly Bites – Smoky pork belly combined with sweet pineapple for an easy BBQ appetizer.

Print