Pork Belly

Ingredients

• 3 lb skinless pork belly, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp barbecue dry rub
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp apple juice
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Heat a smoker or covered grill for indirect cooking at 250°F and cut the pork belly into uniform cubes so the pieces finish at roughly the same time.
2. Step 2.Toss the cubes with mustard and Worcestershire sauce until lightly coated, then season all over with the barbecue dry rub.
3. Step 3.Arrange the pork belly on a wire rack or directly on the smoker grate with a little space between pieces for smoke and heat circulation.
4. Step 4.Smoke for about 2 hours, rotating the tray if necessary, until the cubes have developed dark reddish-brown edges and rendered some fat.
5. Step 5.Transfer the cubes to a foil pan and sprinkle with brown sugar, then add the butter, apple juice, and honey.
6. Step 6.Cover the pan tightly with foil and return it to the cooker for about 45 minutes, until the pork feels tender when pierced.
7. Step 7.Remove the foil, carefully drain only excessive rendered fat, and fold in the barbecue sauce until every cube is glossy.
8. Step 8.Return the uncovered pan to the smoker for 20 to 30 minutes so the glaze reduces and clings tightly to the meat.
9. Step 9.Check several pieces for a tender, almost buttery center with caramelized edges, then remove the pan from the heat.
10. Step 10.Rest for 10 minutes and serve the pork belly bites warm as a main dish, appetizer, or barbecue platter component.