The Art of Creating Perfectly Grilled Pork Belly

Are you a fan of crispy and flavorful pork belly? If so, then get ready to take your cooking skills to the next level with this ultimate guide on how to cook pork belly on the grill. We’ll show you how to achieve that perfect combination of smoky goodness, mouthwatering tenderness, and a heavenly sweet and savory sauce. Get ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping dish that will leave them craving for more!

Unleashing the Magic of Pork Belly

Pork belly is a highly marbled cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the actual belly or organ, but rather the muscle that lies just under the skin and overlaps with the spare ribs. This cut boasts an ideal ratio of 50% lean muscle and 50% fat, which, when cooked to perfection, results in an explosion of flavors.

While pork belly is most famous for its role in creating bacon, it can also be used to create a multitude of mouthwatering dishes. In this recipe, we’ll be focusing on a skin-off slab of pork belly from Snake River Farms Kurobuta, renowned for its exceptional quality.

The Reverse Sear Technique: Unveiling the Secrets

To achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness, we’ll be employing a technique known as the reverse sear. This method involves smoking the pork belly first to infuse it with incredible flavor, followed by grilling it over high heat to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.

Preparing the Pork Belly: Trimming and Seasoning

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare the pork belly properly. Start by using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If you have a full slab, cut it in half to ensure equal weight. Next, take a sharp knife and carefully trim the fat cap, aiming for an even layer across the top of the belly. Make sure to score the fat side with large X’s for optimal flavor infusion.

Place the pork belly fat side down and remove any excess silver skin from the muscle side. Now, with the pork belly still fat side down, make vertical cuts about ⅔ of the way through the meat. These cuts serve two purposes: they create more surface area for the rub and smoke to penetrate, and they allow the fat to render out, leading to a beautifully crispy finish.

The Art of Smoking Pork Belly

To achieve the perfect smoky flavor, smoke the pork belly at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature, aiming for it to reach around 200 degrees F. This temperature allows for the ideal texture, as the fat has rendered to a point where you get that desired soft bite.

Bringing on the Crispy Factor: Grilling the Pork Belly

Once the internal temperature of the pork belly reaches 200 degrees, it’s time to shift our focus to the grill. Set up your grill for direct heat, aiming for a temperature of 450 to 500 degrees. Place the pork belly fat side up directly on the grill grates and let it sear for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pork belly fat side down and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring a nice sear on both sides.

Choosing the Perfect Wood

When it comes to smoking pork belly, fruit woods are your best choice. We recommend using apple and cherry wood, as they impart a delightful sweetness to the meat, complementing its flavors beautifully.

The Finishing Touch: The Glazing Sauce

To elevate the flavors even further, we’ll prepare a mouthwatering glaze to apply at the end. Mixing hoisin sauce, Thai chili, lime juice, and freshly grated ginger in a bowl, we create a glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. Generously coat the hot pork belly with this glaze as soon as it comes off the grill, allowing it to caramelize and take the dish to a whole new level.

Crispy Pork Belly Recipe On the Grill

Explore More Smoked and Grilled Pork Recipes

If you can’t get enough of the smoky and grilled goodness, we invite you to try these other delectable pork recipes:

• Grilled Porchetta
• Grilled Rack of Pork
• Tomahawk Pork Chops
• Grilled Pork Collar
• 3-2-1 Smoked Pork Ribs

In Conclusion

Mastering the art of cooking pork belly on the grill is a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for a truly exceptional dish. With the reverse sear technique, a well-trimmed slab of pork belly, and the perfect blend of smoke and heat, you’ll achieve a harmonious balance of tenderness and crispiness that will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe.

So, fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of pork belly transform your culinary experience. For the highest-quality pork belly, be sure to visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ, where flavor and excellence meet. Happy grilling!