Introduction
Kansas-Style Grilled Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Grilled low and slow on the Arteflame, these caramelized bites burst with flavor. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe delivers bold, rich barbecue goodness.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp barbecue rub
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to establish for about 20 minutes until the Arteflame grill is hot and ready to cook.
Step 2: Searing the Pork Belly
- Place pork belly chunks on the center grill grate and sear for 1-2 minutes per side at 1,000°F to lock in juices.
- Move the seared pork belly pieces to the hotter inner portion of the flat griddle cooktop.
Step 3: Slow-Cooking on the Flat Cooktop
- Brush the pork belly with melted butter and season with barbecue rub.
- Cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, rotating occasionally while rendering the fat until tender.
Step 4: Glazing the Burnt Ends
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Baste the pork belly chunks with the sauce mixture every 10-15 minutes.
- Continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
- Remove the pork belly when the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy as a snack or main course!
Tips
- Remove pork belly from the grill at 180°F to allow for carryover cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- Apply additional dry rub after searing for extra flavor.
Variations
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Sweet and Spicy: Add brown sugar and extra cayenne for a sweet and spicy kick.
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Maple Bourbon: Glaze with maple syrup and a splash of bourbon.
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Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
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Honey Garlic: Replace barbecue sauce with a honey garlic glaze.
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Pineapple Teriyaki: Glaze with teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice for tropical flavor.
Conclusion
Kansas-Style Grilled Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a must-try for any barbecue enthusiast. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, these crispy, juicy bites will be the highlight of any gathering. Whether classic or with a flavorful twist, these burnt ends are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Best Pairings
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Smoked mac and cheese
- Pickles and coleslaw
- Cold beer or sweet tea