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Maple Bourbon BBQ Pork Belly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet with wire rack (for oven method) or grill or smoker
  • saucepan
  • Basting brush
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Belly

  • 2 lbs pork belly skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze

  • ½ cup maple syrup preferably dark amber
  • ⅓ cup bourbon
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference

Instructions
 

Prep the Pork Belly

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C), or set up your grill/smoker for indirect heat.
  2. Pat the pork belly cubes dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the pork belly cubes in the seasoning until evenly coated.

Cook the Pork Belly

    Oven Method

    1. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the pork belly cubes in a single layer.
    2. Roast for 90 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces are crispy and browned.

    Smoker/Grill Method

    1. Set up your smoker or grill for indirect heat at 275°F (135°C).
    2. Place the pork belly on the grill grates and smoke for 90 minutes, flipping halfway through.
      evenly cut pork belly cubes arranged in neat rows on a hot grill

    Make the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

    1. While the pork belly cooks, combine maple syrup, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a saucepan over medium heat.
    2. Stir well and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
      golden-brown grilled pork belly cubes

    Glaze and Finish

    1. Remove the pork belly from the oven/grill and toss it in the maple bourbon BBQ sauce.
    2. Return the coated pork belly to the oven or grill for 15 more minutes to caramelize the glaze.
    3. Serve hot, drizzling extra sauce over the top for an extra sticky, flavorful finish.