Description

Maple Bourbon Pork Belly Burnt Ends are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. These tender, caramelized pieces of pork belly are a delicious treat, whether served as an appetizer or the main event at your next barbecue

Ingredients

• For the Pork Belly:
• 2 lbs of pork belly, cubed
• Maple Bourbon seasoning or your favorite pork rub
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6 tbsp butter
• Oil, as needed
• For the BBQ Sauce:
• 1/3 cup Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp bourbon

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Begin by cubing the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that the pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Place the cubed pork belly into a large mixing bowl and generously coat them with the Maple Bourbon seasoning or your favorite pork rub. Toss the cubes to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Belly
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, add the pork belly cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the pork belly on all sides until they develop a nice brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared pork belly to a baking dish or aluminum tray.

Step 3: Add Butter and Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the seared pork belly cubes in the baking dish. Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter them over the top of the pork belly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Belly
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) or set up your smoker if you have one. Place the covered baking dish in the oven or smoker and cook the pork belly for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the fat has rendered. The low and slow cooking method allows the pork belly to become tender and absorb all the flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
While the pork belly is cooking, prepare the Maple Bourbon BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce), maple syrup, and bourbon. Stir the mixture over low heat until it is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Glaze the Pork Belly
Once the pork belly is tender, remove the foil and pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the top of the pork belly cubes. Toss the pork belly to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze on the pork belly.

Step 7: Serve
Once the pork belly is caramelized and sticky, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Maple Bourbon Pork Belly Burnt Ends hot, garnished with extra BBQ sauce if desired. These are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a barbecue spread

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tips:
For Smokier Flavor: If you have a smoker, use it for cooking the pork belly instead of the oven. Smoke the pork belly at 225°F (107°C) for 3-4 hours before glazing with the BBQ sauce.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the pork belly and cook it the day before. Simply reheat and glaze it with the BBQ sauce just before serving.

Serving Suggestions: These burnt ends pair beautifully with coleslaw, pickles, or cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

Conclusion:
Maple Bourbon Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a delectable treat that combines the richness of pork belly with the sweet and smoky flavors of maple, bourbon, and BBQ sauce. Perfectly caramelized and tender, these burnt ends are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the irresistible taste of these savory bites!