Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends

How to Make Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends take the classic burnt ends concept and elevate it with the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of Korean cuisine.

These pork belly cubes are smoked to perfection, caramelized with a honey glaze, and finished with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra layer of flavor.

If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy pork recipes that combine traditional barbecue with Korean flair, this dish is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The combination of Korean BBQ sauce, honey, and chili flakes creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Crispy and Tender: The smoking process ensures an exterior with delicious bark while keeping the pork belly melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve these burnt ends as a main course or a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering. They’re low effort to make, but they’re always a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends

For the Pork Belly:

• 3 pounds of skinless pork belly
• Bachan’s Original Japanese BBQ Sauce
• 3 tbsp Korean BBQ Rub
• 1 tbsp SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic) seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp Green Onions, for garnish
• 2 tbsp White Sesame Seeds, for garnish

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup Sweet Honey Bachan’s
• 1 cup honey
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tbsp Korean Chili Flakes
• 1/2 cup finely sliced green onions
• 4 tbsp butter

Instructions for making Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

Cube the pork belly into 1.5 x 1.5-inch pieces – these will shrink down a bit during the cooking process.

Use Bachan’s Original as a binder and then season the pork belly cubes with SPG seasoning and Korean BBQ rub.

Place the pork belly cubes on a wire rack – this will help with easy transport to and from the smoker. .

Step 2: Smoke the Pork Belly

Preheat your smoker to 250° F and use cherry or apple wood for a sweet, smoky flavor.

Smoke the pork belly cubes for 3 hours, spritzing every hour to maintain moisture and enhance the bark during the smoking process.

Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp of butter.

Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add in the Korean chili flakes, honey, Sweet Honey Bachan’s, and sliced green onions.

Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Braise the Pork Belly

Transfer the smoked pork belly cubes to an aluminum foil pan.

Pour half of the prepared Korean BBQ sauce over the pork belly.

Cover the foil pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the smoker.

Cook for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the pork belly reaches 200°F.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

The last 15 minutes of the cook, remove the aluminum foil top to help the glaze tack up.

Once the pork belly cubes are fully cooked, remove them from the smoker.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Drizzle the remaining Korean BBQ sauce over the pork belly.

Arrange the Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends on a serving platter or keep clean up simple and serve in the aluminum foil pan.

Serve warm and enjoy this irresistible bite of BBQ that will have everyone coming back for more!

Pro Tips for the Best Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends

• Use a Wire Rack: This ensures even smoking and prevents the pork belly from sticking to the baking sheet. it also makes transporting the pork belly to and from the smoker a lot easier!
• Monitor the Internal Temperature: The key to perfect burnt ends is ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 200°F for the ideal texture. If you pull them off too early, the pork belly may be slightly tough and chewy. You should be able to squeeze it all of the way through in your fingers.
• Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Korean chili flakes. For extra spice, add a dash of gochujang or hot sauce.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pork belly to sit for a few minutes after smoking. It’s always a good idea to let your meat rest, but also keep in mind these things will be an internal temperature of 200°, so let them cool down.
• Alternative cuts: You can easily use pork shoulder (pork butt) if pork belly is hard to find where you live. This flavor profile would also go really well with Poor Man’s Burnt Ends which uses chuck roast as it’s usually more affordable due to it not being a huge cut of meat.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe takes the traditional burnt ends concept, which traditionally uses brisket, and elevates it by using pork belly for a richer and more flavorful result.

The smoking process imparts a deep smoky taste, while the Korean BBQ sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The caramelized honey glaze and sesame seed topping make these burnt ends truly unforgettable.

If you love pork recipes that combine the best of Korean cuisine with classic BBQ techniques, these Korean BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends will be a game-changer. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for a taste bud explosion!

Other Delicious Recipes to Try!

Korean BBQ Beef Sandwiches – These mouthwatering Korean BBQ beef sandwiches are packed with bold flavors from marinated beef, toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy gochujang sauce. Served on a toasted bun with crisp vegetables and spicy mayo, this sandwich is a perfect fusion of Korean cuisine and American comfort food. A must-try for BBQ lovers!

Smoked Cream Cheese with Hot Honey & Bacon – Elevate your appetizer game with smoked cream cheese drizzled with spicy hot honey and crispy bacon. This creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet dish is an irresistible crowd-pleaser, perfect for spreading on crackers or toast. The balance of heat, saltiness, and smokiness makes it a fantastic addition to any gathering.

Crispy Pork Belly with Guacamole – Crispy pork belly meets creamy guacamole in this delicious dish that combines rich, fatty goodness with fresh and zesty flavors. The crunch of the pork belly pairs perfectly with the smooth, avocado-based guacamole, creating an unforgettable bite that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or as a stand-alone appetizer.

Pineapple Bourbon Pork Belly – This sweet and savory dish features tender pork belly glazed in a sticky pineapple bourbon sauce. The caramelized flavors of brown sugar and pineapple blend with the smoky richness of bourbon, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for BBQ lovers. Serve it as a main dish or a flavorful appetizer!

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