Unleash your inner chef and create a show-stopping meal with our delectable smoked porchetta recipe. Prepare to be amazed!
Course
Main Course
Prep Time30minutes
Cook Time4hours
Servings8
Ingredients
1whole boneless pork bellyabout 5-6 pounds
5clovesgarlicminced
2tablespoonsrosemaryfinely chopped
2tablespoonsthymefinely chopped
2tablespoonsfennel seedstoasted and crushed
2tablespoonscoarse salt
1tablespoonblack pepper
1lemonzest and juice
Kitchen twine
For Smoking:
Apple or cherry wood chunks
Instructions
Prepping the Pork Belly
Lay the pork belly flat on a clean work surface, skin side down.
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, crushed fennel seeds, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix it into a thick paste.
Spread the seasoning paste evenly over the entire surface of the pork belly. Make sure to coat it thoroughly, getting into all the nooks and crannies.
Starting from one end, roll the pork belly tightly into a cylinder, ensuring the skin is on the outside. Secure the roll with kitchen twine at regular intervals, tying it snugly.
Smoking the Porchetta
Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C) using apple or cherry wood for that perfect smoky flavor.
Place the prepared porchetta roll on the grill grates of the smoker. Close the lid and let it smoke for 4-5 hours. Maintain a consistent temperature, adding wood chunks as needed for smoke.
Crisping the Skin
Once the porchetta reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer, it's time to crisp that skin. You can do this by either cranking up the heat on your smoker or transferring it to an oven preheated to 500°F (260°C).
Watch it closely as the skin begins to blister and crackle. This should take about 15-20 minutes. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Rest and Serve
Remove the porchetta from the heat and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy, tender interior.
Carefully cut the twine and slice the porchetta into thin, succulent portions. Serve it up with your favorite sides like crusty bread, roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or a fresh salad.