Cooking pork belly on the grill is a wonderful way to enjoy the succulent and rich flavors of this indulgent cut of meat. The grill imparts a beautiful smoky char while rendering the fat, resulting in crispy and tender pork belly that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you want to serve it as a standalone dish or use it in various recipes, grilled pork belly is sure to impress your family and friends. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of cooking pork belly on the grill, ensuring a mouthwatering and flavorful experience. Get ready to savor the irresistible combination of crispy skin and juicy meat with grilled pork belly!
Grilled Pork Belly
Grilling pork belly is a fantastic way to achieve a crispy and flavorful dish. The combination of smoky char, tender meat, and crispy skin creates an irresistible dining experience. Whether enjoyed as a main course or used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads, grilled pork belly is a culinary delight that will impress your guests and leave you craving more.
Equipment
- charcoal grill
- grill tongs
- meat thermometer
- charcoal or wood
Ingredients
- pork belly slab
- your choice of dry rub or marinade
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by patting the pork belly slab dry with paper towels. Score the skin with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This helps the skin crisp up during grilling. Season the meat side generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of dry rub or marinade. Allow the pork belly to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until covered with white ash. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium heat. For an added smoky flavor, you can add soaked wood chips or chunks to the charcoal or use a smoker box with gas grills.
- Place the pork belly slab on the grill, skin side down. Close the lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the skin to start crisping up. Afterward, flip the pork belly, skin side up, and continue grilling with the lid closed. If using a gas grill, turn off the burners directly underneath the pork belly and keep the other burners on.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork belly, avoiding contact with the bone. Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). This will ensure that the meat is tender and the fat has rendered.
- Once the pork belly reaches the desired internal temperature, you can increase the heat or move it closer to the heat source to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Allow the skin to turn crispy and golden brown, which usually takes an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the pork belly from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy final product. Slice the grilled pork belly into desired portions and serve.
Video
Notes
You can experiment with different dry rubs or marinades to enhance the flavors of the pork belly. Popular options include Chinese five-spice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or a simple mix of salt and pepper.
If you prefer a more pronounced smoky flavor, consider using wood chips or chunks to add smoke during the grilling process.
Make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the pork belly with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to consume.
Grilled pork belly pairs well with refreshing coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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