Nothing beats the delicious and flavorful taste of perfectly cooked pork belly. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or want to impress your friends and family with an indulgent meal, cooking pork belly on the barbecue is a fantastic choice. The combination of smoky flavors from the charcoal, tender meat, and crispy crackling skin is just irresistible.

Preparation is key

Before you start grilling, it’s important to properly prepare the pork belly. Begin by scoring the skin to create a diamond pattern, which will help render the fat and result in a crispy crackling. Rub the meat with a mixture of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices or herbs to enhance the flavors. Let the pork belly sit uncovered in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

Grilling techniques

The key to perfectly grilled pork belly is a combination of indirect and direct heat. Start by preheating your barbecue to a medium-high temperature. Place the pork belly on the grill, skin-side up, and cook it indirectly for about an hour. This will allow the fat to render and the meat to cook gently. Afterward, move the pork belly directly over the heat source, skin-side down, to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Top tips for mouth-watering results

• Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.

• Baste the pork belly with a flavorful marinade or barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for an added depth of flavor.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Once cooked, allow the pork belly to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

When done right, grilling pork belly on the barbecue will result in juicy, tender meat with a beautiful caramelized skin. Serve it as a main dish with your favorite side dishes or use it as a filling in tacos or sandwiches. However you choose to enjoy it, be prepared to have your taste buds tantalized!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pork Belly on BBQ

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

Start by choosing a high-quality piece of pork belly. Make sure it has a good amount of fat and is preferably skin-on. Remove any excess moisture by patting it dry with a paper towel. Score the skin in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut too deep into the flesh.

Step 2: Season the Pork Belly

Generously season both sides of the pork belly with salt and pepper. You can also add any additional seasoning or marinade of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or a bbq rub.

Step 3: Preheat the BBQ

Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sear the Pork Belly

Place the pork belly, skin-side down, on the hot grill grates. Sear it for about 5 minutes or until the skin is crispy and charred. Flip it over and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.

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Step 5: Indirect Heat Cooking

Move the pork belly to the cooler side of the grill or turn off one of the burners if using a gas grill. Close the lid and let it cook for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Basting

Periodically baste the pork belly with a bbq sauce or glaze of your choice. This will add flavor and help keep it moist throughout the cooking process.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the pork belly is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and flavorful result. Slice it into thick or thin pieces and serve hot.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly and the temperature of your BBQ. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork Belly

When it comes to cooking pork belly on the BBQ, choosing the right cut is essential for a delicious and tender result. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Freshness: Look for pork belly that is fresh and has a bright color. Avoid cuts that appear dull or discolored.
  2. Thickness: The thickness of the pork belly can affect the cooking time and the texture of the meat. Thinner slices are usually more suitable for quick cooking methods like grilling or frying, while thicker slices are perfect for slow cooking or smoking.
  3. Marbling: Marbling refers to the thin streaks of fat running through the meat. More marbling generally means more flavor and tenderness, so look for pork belly with good marbling.
  4. Skin: The skin of the pork belly is an important factor to consider. If you want crispy crackling, choose pork belly with a thin, dry, and intact skin. Avoid pork belly with a thick, wet, or damaged skin.
  5. Boneless or bone-in: Pork belly can come boneless or with the rib bones attached. Boneless cuts are easier to work with and cook more evenly, while bone-in cuts can have an added flavor from the bones. Choose according to your preference and cooking method.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to select the perfect cut of pork belly for your BBQ cooking needs. Remember to always buy from a trusted butcher or retailer to ensure quality and freshness.

Preparing the Pork Belly for Grilling

Before you can start grilling the pork belly, you will need to prepare it properly. Here are the steps:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of pork belly
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rinse the pork belly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern, about 1 inch apart.

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3. Rub the olive oil all over the pork belly, making sure to get it into the scored skin.

4. Season the pork belly with salt and black pepper, rubbing the seasoning into the skin and meat.

Grilling method Temperature Time
Direct grilling Medium-high heat (400°F) 25-30 minutes
Indirect grilling Low heat (325°F) 1.5-2 hours

5. Preheat your grill to the desired temperature according to the grilling method you choose.

6. Place the prepared pork belly on the grill, skin side up for indirect grilling, and skin side down for direct grilling.

7. Cook the pork belly until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium, using a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

8. Remove the cooked pork belly from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

By following these steps, you will have a deliciously grilled pork belly that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy!

Marinating the Pork Belly

Marinating the pork belly is an important step in preparing it for the BBQ. It helps to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it, resulting in a delicious and juicy final dish. Here are some tips for marinating the pork belly:

Choose the Right Marinade

Start by selecting a marinade that complements the flavors of the pork belly. Popular choices include a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, a savory soy sauce-based marinade, or a spicy rub. You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.

Prepare the Pork Belly

Before marinating, prepare the pork belly by removing any excess fat and patting it dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade to penetrate the meat better and ensure even cooking. Cut the pork belly into manageable pieces that will fit on your BBQ grill.

Tip: Score the fat side of the pork belly with a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate the meat and create a crispy crust when grilled.

Note: This step can be skipped if you prefer to keep the pork belly intact.

Place the pork belly pieces in a shallow dish or a sealable plastic bag that is large enough to hold them comfortably. This will make it easier to coat the meat with the marinade.

Pour the marinade over the pork belly, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. If using a plastic bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing it to ensure maximum contact between the meat and the marinade.

Tip: Marinate the pork belly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and the meat to become tender.

Once the pork belly has finished marinating, it is ready to be cooked on the BBQ. Be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Tip: If desired, you can also baste the pork belly with some fresh marinade while it is grilling to enhance the flavors and keep it moist.

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Following these steps will result in a flavorful and succulent pork belly that is sure to impress your guests at the BBQ!

Preparing the BBQ and Grill

Before cooking the pork belly on the BBQ, it’s important to properly prepare the grill and ensure it is clean and ready for use.

  1. Start by cleaning the grill grates thoroughly. Use a wire brush to scrub away any residue from previous grilling sessions.
  2. Next, ensure that the grill is properly heated. Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat, around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. If using charcoal, make sure the coals are fully lit and covered in a layer of ash before placing the pork belly on the grill.
  4. For gas grills, heat the burners to the desired temperature and let the grill preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Once the grill is heated, it’s a good idea to oil the grates to prevent the pork belly from sticking. Dip a folded paper towel in vegetable oil and, using tongs, rub the oiled towel over the grates.
  6. If desired, you can also add wood chips or chunks to the grill for extra smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before placing them directly on the lit charcoal or on top of the gas burners in the grill.
  7. Close the lid of the grill and let it heat up with the wood chips for a few minutes.
  8. Once the grill is properly prepared, it’s time to place the seasoned pork belly on the grill and start cooking!

FAQ

What is pork belly and how is it different from bacon?

Pork belly is a cut of meat taken from the belly of a pig. Bacon, on the other hand, is made from pork belly that has been cured, smoked, and sliced. So while pork belly is the raw, uncured version of bacon, bacon has undergone additional preparation.

How long does it take to cook pork belly on a BBQ?

The cooking time for pork belly on a BBQ can vary depending on the size and thickness of the cut, as well as the temperature of the BBQ. On average, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to cook pork belly on a BBQ. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for food safety purposes.

What is the best way to season pork belly for BBQ?

There are many ways to season pork belly for BBQ, but a popular and delicious option is to create a dry rub. Mix together a combination of spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Massage the dry rub onto the surface of the pork belly, allowing it to penetrate the meat. Let the seasoned pork belly sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cooking to enhance the flavor.