Smoked Asian Pork Belly

Today, I’ve got a sizzling topic that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight – Smoked Asian Pork Belly! You know, when it comes to pork, there’s no such thing as too much flavor. So, let me take you on a delicious journey as I spill the beans on how to make this mouthwatering dish, complete with some personal anecdotes and plenty of juicy tips.

How to Make Asian Pork Belly

Alrighty, folks, let’s dive right into the heart of the matter – making this delectable Smoked Asian Pork Belly. Trust me; it’s easier than you might think!

1. Prep the Pork Belly: Start with a nice slab of pork belly. I prefer to go boneless for this one. Give it a good rinse and pat it dry. We’re getting rid of any excess moisture here.
2. Seasoning Sensation: Now, the magic begins. Rub the pork belly with a blend of Asian-inspired spices. I’m talking about a mix of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a hint of five-spice powder. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
3. The Waiting Game: Let the seasoned pork belly marinate for at least a couple of hours, or better yet, overnight in the fridge. You want those flavors to get cozy and mingle.
4. Fire It Up: Fire up your smoker – we’re talking low and slow here, folks! Aim for a temperature around 225°F (that’s about 107°C for you metric folks). Applewood or cherrywood smoke adds a fantastic aroma, but you do you!
5. Smokin’ Time: Pop that marinated pork belly onto the smoker grates. Close the lid, and let it do its thing for about 4-6 hours. Go ahead, put your feet up, and enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting through the air.
6. Crispy Finish: Now, here’s the kicker. When your pork belly reaches an internal temperature of around 195°F (around 90°C), transfer it to a hot grill or oven to crisp up that skin. We’re talking crispy perfection!
7. Slice and Serve: Let it rest for a bit, then slice it up. The combination of that smoky, savory exterior and the tender, juicy interior is pure pork paradise!

Additional Tips

• Keep an eye on that smoker temperature, my friends. It’s all about maintaining that low and slow heat for the perfect result.
• Experiment with different wood chips for unique smoky flavors. Cherry, oak, or even a touch of hickory can work wonders.
• Don’t rush the marinating process. The longer, the better – it’s like a flavor infusion!

What to Serve

Now, let’s talk accompaniments because what’s a show-stopping dish without some killer sides?

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fluffy bed of jasmine rice is the perfect partner for your Smoked Asian Pork Belly. It soaks up those flavorful juices like a champ.
• Pickled Veggies: Some crunchy pickled cucumbers or daikon radish add a zesty, refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky pork.
• Soy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick soy dipping sauce with a dash of rice vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

What to Do with Leftovers

Believe me, leftovers can be just as exciting as the main event!

• Pork Belly Buns: Slice that leftover pork belly thin and stuff it into some steamed buns with hoisin sauce, cucumbers, and scallions. You’ve got yourself some drool-worthy pork belly buns!
• Pork Fried Rice: Dice it up and toss it into a sizzling wok with some cooked rice, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Noodle Bowls: Thin slices of leftover pork belly can take your noodle bowls to the next level. Try it with ramen or udon for a hearty treat.

Overall, making Smoked Asian Pork Belly is a rewarding culinary adventure that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the leftovers are like a gift that keeps on giving – turning them into new and exciting dishes is all part of the fun! So, fire up that smoker, get creative with your sides, and indulge in the porky goodness. And remember, “Life’s too short for bland food!” Thanks for joining me, folks. Until next time, happy cooking!

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Smoked Asian Pork Belly

Elevate your cooking game with our smoked Asian pork belly recipe. Experience the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Marinating 2 hours

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds about 1-1.4 kg of boneless pork belly
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Smoking:

• Wood chips for smoking applewood or cherrywood recommended

Instructions

Marinating the Pork Belly

1. Begin by rinsing the pork belly under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Place it on a clean work surface.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Carefully score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will help the marinade penetrate and the skin to crisp up during cooking.
4. Place the pork belly in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the meat, making sure it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Smoking the Pork Belly

1. When you're ready to cook, remove the marinated pork belly from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your smoker to a temperature of approximately 225°F (107°C). Add your preferred wood chips to the smoker box. Applewood or cherrywood chips work beautifully with this recipe.
3. Place the marinated pork belly directly on the smoker grates, skin side up. Close the smoker lid.
4. Maintain a steady smoker temperature of 225°F (107°C) throughout the cooking process. Smoke the pork belly for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of around 195°F (90°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat.

Crisping Up the Skin

1. Once your pork belly has reached the desired temperature, carefully transfer it to a preheated grill or oven set to high heat, around 450°F (230°C).
2. Grill or roast the pork belly for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Remove the smoked Asian pork belly from the grill or oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
4. Slice the pork belly into thin, tantalizing pieces and serve immediately with your choice of sides.