Idaho Pork Belly Burnt Ends on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Get ready to savor the most tender, caramelized pork belly burnt ends cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. These smoky, sweet, and perfectly rendered pork bites are an absolute treat for barbecue lovers. The cooking process allows the pork belly to develop a rich crust while staying juicy and packed with flavor. By using the high heat of the center grill grate for searing and the even heat distribution of the flat cooktop, you’ll achieve melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends like never before!

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup favorite barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire establish for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the pork belly

1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
2. Coat the pork belly cubes with melted butter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the pork, massaging it into the meat.

Step 3: Sear the pork belly

1. Place the pork belly cubes on the center grill grate at 1,000°F and sear for about 30-45 seconds per side or until a rich crust forms.
2. Remove the pork belly cubes from the grill grate and move them onto the flat cooktop near the center for higher heat zones.

Step 4: Slow-cook the burnt ends

1. Let the pork belly render and cook slowly on the flat cooktop for about 60 minutes, flipping occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Adjust the pork belly positioning as needed, moving them towards the outer zones if they cook too quickly.

Step 5: Glaze and caramelize

1. Mix barbecue sauce and honey in a bowl.
2. Brush the mixture onto the cooking pork belly.
3. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes, turning occasionally to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Remove the pork belly from the grill when its internal temperature reaches 190-195°F.
2. Rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
3. Serve and enjoy the crispy, juicy, and caramelized pork belly burnt ends!

Tips

• Let the pork come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
• Use wood like hickory or applewood for a rich smoky flavor.
• Move the pork belly pieces around the cooktop to prevent burning while caramelizing the glaze.
• Always remove the meat from the grill when it's about 15°F under your desired final temperature.
• The Arteflame's flat cooktop ensures an even sear, so no need for extra pans—just cook everything on the grill!

Variations

• Spicy Burnt Ends: Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a fiery kick.
• Honey Bourbon Glaze: Replace BBQ sauce with 1/3 cup honey and 2 tbsp bourbon for a smooth and smoky caramelization.
• Asian-Style Burnt Ends: Mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder for an umami-packed twist.
• Maple Glazed Burnt Ends: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet and slightly smoky variation.
• Garlic Butter Burnt Ends: Toss the cooked pork belly in garlic butter before serving for a luxurious finish.

Best Pairings

• Creamy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
• Grilled cornbread for a delectable sweet and smoky side.
• Smoky baked beans to bring in a hearty complement.
• Pickled onions for a tangy contrast.
• A cold craft beer or a rich bourbon to elevate the flavors.

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill makes Idaho Pork Belly Burnt Ends an effortless yet rewarding experience. By utilizing its unique high-heat center grill grate for searing and the flat cooktop for caramelization, you create mouthwatering BBQ bites with perfect texture. Impress your guests with beautifully rendered pork belly that melts in your mouth!