Smoked Pork Belly Strips

Want to try smoking pork belly strips? Your in the right place! My recipe for smoked pork belly strips is DELCIOUS!

You will have your family and friends begging for this recipe.

This recipe can be tricky the first time you try it, so make sure you follow all my steps below.

Stripping down smoked pork belly is the perfect addition to any dish.

What You Need For Smoked Pork Belly Strips

• Pork belly
• Kosher salt
• Bbq rub

Note: I am using a store brought rub but if you want to make it yourself here is a delicious rub recipe.

What Equipment You Need for Smoked Pork Belly Strips 

• Smoker
• Lump charcoal or fruitwood chips 
• Baking sheet or a baking tray
• Saucepan
• Digital meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl or spice blender
• Sharp knife
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towel

What To Expect When Smoking Pork Belly Strips

If you haven’t smoked pork belly before there are a few things to consider.

A good quality pork belly typically contains 30% or more fat!

We know that fat = flavor but it needs some special treatment for it to render.

Looking for a Smoked Pork Belly Recipe? See it Here

How To Prep The Pork Belly

You will also need to make sure the pork belly strips are evenly sized.

I like to slice the whole belly into 2-inch thick strips.

Make sure you are consistent with the size to avoid an uneven smoking time.

Pork meat is prone to going dry and needs checking when cooking.

You may need to cover the protein with aluminum foil while you wait for the fat to render.

Read further for more cooking tips and information!

What Type Of Smoker Is Best For Pork Belly Strips?

Having full control of your cooking or smoking process is so important.

Any type of smoker will turn simple ingredients into magic.

But if you can, always use an electric pellet grill.

These beautiful machines let you set, adjust and monitor the smoking temperature.

Something a traditional smoker just can’t do!

More control = less error… What does less error equal?

Successful and delicious smoked pork belly slices!

What Wood Chips Should I Use For Pork Belly Strips

I like to use a mild fruit wood like cherrywood or applewood. I find the sweet smoke flavor compliments the pork well.

What Temperature Do I Smoke Pork Belly Strips?

Smoke the pork belly strips at a temperature of 200°F – 225°F.

he low indirect heat will render down the fat and allow the connective tissue to breakdown

It will also prevent the fat from burning too quickly before the meat is cooked and tender.

The Average Cooking Time When Smoking Strips Of Pork Belly

At 225°F a fully sized pork belly takes 2 hours per pound to smoke.

However, we have cut the belly down into strips…

This results in more heat energy permeating through and cooking faster.

You can expect 2-inch pork belly strips to cook at 1.5 hours per pound. 

Like with any recipe involving meat, the cooking time is worked out at an average.

Don’t think you have that exact time and then leave the smoker until the timer is up especially when smoking food as there are lots of variables.

How cold is it outside? 

What fuel are you using?

These are but a few things that can sway the amount of time it takes for the belly strips to smoke.

Always monitor the internal temperature for an accurate reading.

What Internal Temperature Do The Pork Belly Slices Need To Be?

The internal temperature for pork before consumption is 165°F. 

How To Accurately Monitor The Internal Temperature of Pork

A calibrated meat thermometer is your best friend.

Being sure food is cooked to a safe temperature will do the following;

– Ensures the food is cooked properly to avoid food poisoning.

– Complete control over your dish as it smokes.

– Helps you with timing prompts in the cooking process. 

How & When Do I Cut The Pork Belly Into Strips?

Evenly cut the pork belly 2 inches thick with a sharp knife.

Do this when the pork is raw and before you add the seasoning.

Tip: Put the pork belly in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting.

This will ensure you get a clean cut through the fat layers. 

Why Bother Cutting Pork Belly Into Strips?

– Gives you freedom in more recipes.

– Less likely to waste any delicious bites of pork as you can portion them.

– Different textures & tastes in the meat.

– Easier and quicker to cook.

What To Serve With Our Delicious Pork Belly Strips

Below are some of the ways I like to serve pork belly strips

A thick pork belly strip B.L.T sandwich comes to mind!

Cut into pork belly cubes and put on top of ramen.

The possibilities are endless!

Step 1: Prepare Sliced Pork Belly & Add The Dry Rub

• Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels 
• Trim the fat cap to 1/2 an inch.
• Score the fat with a very sharp knife but don’t penetrate the meat.
• Cut the belly into even strips with a thickness of 2 inches.
• Apply kosher sea salt to pork belly strips and let sit for 1 hour uncovered in the fridge this helps to season and tenderize the pork belly by drawing out moisture.
• Then wipe off excess salt and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Next, add your bbq rub on both sides to dry brine overnight.

Step 2: Smoke The Pork Belly 

– Load the pellets, prime, set the grill temperature to 220°F, and wait until up to temp.

– Evenly place the pork belly slices on smoker.

– Insert the temperature probes and monitor until 205°F this usually takes around 90 minutes. I like to spritz the pork belly with apple juice every 30 minutes.

Step 3: Sear The Pork Belly Strips

If you plan on serving the pork belly strips immediately; crank up a skillet or griddle and sear the strips on high heat to get crispy pork crackling then serve. 

If you plan on serving them later, place when in the fridge, and just before you plan to serve then crank up a skillet or griddle and sear the strips on high heat to get crispy pork crackling then serve.

Looking for More Pork Belly Recipes?

Crispy Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Easy Smoked Pork Belly

Smoke On!

Charlie

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