Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends
These rich, smoky pork belly bites are the ultimate BBQ snack. Coated in rub, smoked to perfection, and finished in a sticky-sweet glaze, they melt in your mouth with every bite. A must-have for any backyard cookout or weekend indulgence.
by
Aaron Ehalt @a.ehalt
Ingredients
- 2 lb Heritage Pork Belly pork belly, cut into 1.5” cubes
- 1/4 cup sweet BBQ rub (such as Lane’s BBQ Sweet Heat)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- Prep time
- 20 minutes
- Cook time
- 4 hours
Instructions
- Prep the pork belly: Pat the pork belly dry and cut into 1.5” cubes. Toss in BBQ rub until fully coated.
- Smoke: Preheat smoker to 250°F. Place cubes on a well-oiled wire rack and smoke until internal temp reaches 170°F (about 2 hours).
- Glaze and braise: Transfer cubes to a disposable foil pan. Add butter, maple syrup, and BBQ sauce. Toss to coat, then cover tightly with foil.
- Final cook: Return to the smoker and cook until internal temp reaches 205°F or cubes are fork-tender (about 1.5–2 hours).
- Serve: Remove from smoker, let cool slightly, and serve as-is or over your favorite sides.
