Smoked Sweet Pineapple Pork Belly Bites

Smoked Sweet Pineapple Pork Belly Bites: A Flavor-Packed Meat Candy Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, then these Smoked Sweet Pineapple Pork Belly Bites are a must-try. Often referred to as “meat candy,” pork belly burnt ends are a staple in the barbecue world, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a sticky, caramelized exterior.

The great thing about this recipe is that it perfectly balances rich pork belly with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple juice and a hint of tangy barbecue sauce.

Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about pork belly, and how to make this irresistible dish from start to finish.

What is Pork Belly?

Pork belly is a fatty, flavorful cut of meat that comes from the underside of the pig. It is well-marbled with layers of fat and meat, making it ideal for slow cooking methods like smoking, braising, and roasting.

Unlike pork shoulder, which has more connective tissue and requires longer cooking times, pork belly is known for its tender texture and rich taste when cooked properly.

This cut is widely used in various global cuisines, particularly in Chinese food. It’s often braised or roasted to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.

The best pork belly retains its juiciness while developing a crispy or caramelized outer layer, making it a versatile ingredient for many pork belly recipes.

Where to Buy Pork Belly

When searching for a quality pound slab of pork belly, you have a few options. Most grocery stores carry pork belly in the meat section. For the best selection, visit a local butcher or an Asian market where it’s often fresher and cut to order.

Some specialty online retailers also sell high-quality pork belly which allows you to get the perfect cut delivered to your doorstep.

Look for a pork belly slab with a good balance of meat and fat. A thick, even fat side will render beautifully when cooked, adding a deep layer of flavor to the dish.

The first thing you should check when purchasing is the color—it should be pinkish-red with white fat marbling. Avoid any cuts that appear overly pale or have a grayish hue.

Different Ways to Cook Pork Belly

There are many ways to prepare pork belly, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile:

Smoking: Using indirect heat and wood chips like apple or cherry, smoked pork belly develops a nice bark and deep smoky flavor.

Oven Roasting: Cooking pork belly on a baking sheet at medium heat can result in crispy skin and tender pork belly underneath.

Slow Cooking: Braising pork belly in a flavorful liquid allows it to become incredibly soft and juicy.

Deep Frying: Frying pork belly cubes in hot oil creates a crispy, crunchy bite.

Grilling: Cooking over a grill grate at medium-high heat can add a nice char and smoky essence.
Each cooking process brings out different textures, so you can choose the method that best suits your taste preferences.

What Are Pork Belly Burnt Ends?

Pork belly burnt ends, often referred to as “meat candy,”. Meat Candy are bite-sized pieces of smoked pork belly that have been caramelized with a sweet and savory glaze.

Inspired by traditional brisket burnt ends, this dish takes the natural richness of pork belly and enhances it with a sticky, flavorful coating.

These delicious pork belly cubes are smoked low and slow, allowing the fat to render down and infuse the meat with incredible smoky goodness.

The great thing about pork belly burnt ends is their versatility. You can experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create your favorite recipe. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Smoked Sweet Pineapple Pork Belly Bites

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of skinless pork belly
• 1 cup Bachan’s Sweet Pineapple BBQ Sauce
• 2 tbsp SPG blend (salt, black pepper, garlic powder)
• 1 tbsp BBQ rub
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ cup crushed or chunks of pineapple
• 2 cups pineapple juice (for spritzing)

How to Cook Smoked Sweet Pineapple Pork Belly Bites

Prepare the Pork Belly: Using a sharp knife, cut the pork belly on a cutting board into 1.5 x 1.5-inch pork belly cubes. Place them in a large bowl.

Marinate: Pour 1 cup of Bachan’s Sweet Pineapple Sauce over the pork belly cubes. Toss to coat evenly and let them marinate for 1 hour.

Season: Arrange the marinated cubes on a wire rack and sprinkle with SPG blend and a light layer of BBQ rub to add extra seasoning and a layer of flavor.

Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 250 degrees f and use apple or cherry wood chips for a sweet, smoky aroma.

Smoke the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly cubes on the smoker over indirect heat. Smoke for 3 hours, spritzing with pineapple juice every hour to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

Braise: Transfer the smoked pork belly to an aluminum foil pan. Add 3 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and ½ cup crushed pineapple. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and return to the smoker for 1 more hour.

Caramelize the Sauce: Remove the foil and drizzle the pork belly with extra sauce. Smoke uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to tack up.

Check the Internal Temperature: Ensure the pork belly reaches an internal temperature of 200°F. This guarantees tender pork belly with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Serve: Remove from the smoker and garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Enjoy warm!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, then you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The next day, reheat them in an oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of cold water to help keep them moist.

Final Thoughts

The best way to enjoy pork belly burnt ends is straight off the smoker, but they taste just as good the next time you make them! Whether you’re a fan of Chinese food or classic BBQ flavors, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite recipe!

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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