How To Make Pork Belly Burnt Ends: A Step-by-step Guide

Pork belly burnt ends are delectable morsels of tender, succulent pork belly that are caramelized and crispy on the outside, creating an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. They are typically made by braising or smoking a whole pork belly, then cutting it into cubes and roasting them until they develop a crispy crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and tender: The braising or smoking process infuses the pork belly with an array of seasonings, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Crispy and caramelized: Roasting the cubed pork belly creates a crispy crust that caramelizes the edges, adding a delightful crunch.
• Versatile: Pork belly burnt ends can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, as an appetizer, or as a topping for salads or sandwiches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound pork belly, skin on
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

• Dutch oven or roasting pan
• Roasting rack
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

• Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels.
• Score the skin of the pork belly in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.

2. Make the Braising Liquid

• In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Braise the Pork Belly

• Place the pork belly in a Dutch oven or roasting pan and pour the braising liquid over it.
• Cover the pot and braise the pork belly for 3-4 hours in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C).

4. Cool and Refrigerate

• Once the pork belly is tender, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
• Transfer the pork belly to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Cut and Roast

• Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the cubes on a roasting rack set over a baking sheet.
• Roast the pork belly cubes in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and caramelized.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the pork belly burnt ends from the oven and serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality pork belly: The quality of the pork belly will greatly impact the final result. Look for pork belly with a good layer of fat and skin.
• Score the pork belly: Scoring the pork belly helps the fat render and the seasonings penetrate the meat.
• Braise the pork belly slowly: Braising the pork belly slowly allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.
• Refrigerate the pork belly: Refrigerating the pork belly after braising helps the fat solidify and makes it easier to cut into cubes.
• Roast the pork belly burnt ends until crispy: The pork belly burnt ends should be crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.

Variations

• Use different seasonings: You can adjust the seasonings used in the braising liquid to create different flavor profiles.
• Add a glaze: You can brush the pork belly burnt ends with a glaze made from honey, soy sauce, or barbecue sauce before roasting.
• Smoke the pork belly: If you have a smoker, you can smoke the pork belly instead of braising it. This will add a smoky flavor to the burnt ends.

The Final Word: Indulge in the Delights of Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Pork belly burnt ends are a culinary masterpiece that combines tender, flavorful meat with a crispy, caramelized crust. Whether you enjoy them as a standalone dish or as a topping, these delectable morsels are sure to impress your taste buds. Follow the steps outlined in this guide and master the art of crafting these irresistible treats.

Questions You May Have

Q: How long can I store pork belly burnt ends?
A: Pork belly burnt ends can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make pork belly burnt ends ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pork belly burnt ends up to the roasting step ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and roast them when you are ready to serve.

Q: What is the best dipping sauce for pork belly burnt ends?
A: Pork belly burnt ends pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a simple soy sauce-based sauce.