EPIC Smoked Crispy Pork Belly [With Crunchy Crackling]

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Crispy smoked pork belly is a favorite at my family dinner table. Nothing is more satisfying than hearing the crunch of perfectly cooked pork crackling.

I’ve tried many smoked pork belly recipes, but this is my favorite for two reasons. First, this recipe is super simple. I score the meat and rub it with salt the night before cooking it, usually a Saturday night. There is no better way to finish the weekend than with a crispy, juicy piece of pork with a delicious smoky flavor.

The second reason I love this recipe so much is the taste. This pork belly is seriously good. It’s sweet, juicy, smoky, and, most importantly, crispy.

No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later ⤵️

Crispy Smoked Pork Belly

You won’t believe how juicy and tender the pork belly comes out compared to its crispy crackling. It’s a feat that will impress neighbors, friends, and family. My secret is to salt and score the pork the night before.

This recipe will ensure you always get that satisfying crunch while keeping your meat moist. It is well worth the effort.

What You Need for Smoked Pork Belly With Crispy Skin

• Pork Belly
• Mustard
• Freshly Ground Salt & Pepper
• Ground White Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper
• Ground Black Pepper
• Mustard Powder
• Granulated Garlic
• Chilli Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Kosher Salt
• Sugar
• Sweet Paprika

Step 1: Score Your Pork Belly

I like to buy pork belly with the skin. You can use frozen pork belly to ensure you leave time for it to defrost.

If you want crispy pork, score it and rub it with sea salt. I like to do this the night before cooking the pork to ensure all the moisture is drawn out. If you don’t have time to leave it overnight, try leaving it uncovered in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Apply Rub to Pork Belly

Next, I applied the yellow mustard binder and then the rub. Sometimes, we also use a Texas-style rub. I have included the recipe for it below.

I haven’t tried this recipe, but some people inject their pork with moisture and flavor.

Ingredients for Rub

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Step 3: Place The Pork Belly in the Smoker

Preheat the smoker to 250°F and set it up for indirect heat. Place the pork belly in the smoker fat side up and insert the temperature probe. We used apple wood chip wood for this cook.

Spritz the pork with beer or apple juice every 45-60 minutes. This helps create a deep, dark, caramelized bark.

Step 4: Wrap The Pork Belly

Once your pork belly reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, I recommend wrapping it in foil with some liquid. I like apple juice.

Wrap the entire thing tightly in foil (including the crackling) with a small amount of apple juice, about 1/4 cup, to cover the bottom meat.

Then place back into the smoker until 200°F, which will take about an hour.

(We won’t get any crispy crackling using a smoker as the temperature doesn’t get hot enough, so we need to finish it off under a broiler)

To get crispy crackling, remove the meat from your smoker and throw it under a broiler. Turn the broiler up to maximum heat. The skin should begin to puff up and crackle. Be careful not to burn the cracking. Turn the tray or lower the rack to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Allow the pork belly to rest for at least 10 minutes. Then slice and enjoy with your BBQ sides, don’t forget the apple sauce!

How Long to Smoke Pork Belly

It takes 3-5 hours to smoke 3 pounds of pork belly. However, that time can vary depending on your smoker’s temperature and the thickness of the meat.

You want the pork belly to have an internal temperature of 165°F before you remove it from the smoker. Then, wrap it in foil with beer or juice and place it back on the smoker until it reaches 200°F.

➡️ If you use a Traeger to smoke your pork belly, see the recipe here.

How to Smoke Pork Belly

Above, I explain exactly how to smoke pork belly perfectly. You don’t need many ingredients, and the steps are simple. I have summarized it below, but I have step-by-step images and a recipe card at the end.

For a deliciously tender pork belly, cook low and slow for 3-5 hours or until the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Then, wrap it in foil with apple juice and cook for another hour.

To prepare your pork, score the skin in a cross pattern. After sprinkling the dry spice mixture over all sides, cover the meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

Preheat the smoker to 225°F, then add your wood chips (we will show you below the best type to use). Once the smoker is at temperature, place your pork over indirect heat.

Cook for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove it from the smoker. Wrap the pork belly in foil and cover with beer or juice. Return it to the smoker, and using indirect heat, cook until it reaches 200°F.

Want Crispy Smoked Pork Belly? Getting That Perfect CRACKLING

Did your pork belly come with the skin? Then you can make crackling. Ensure you apply salt to the skin before putting it in the smoker.

It’s hard to get crispy crackling using a smoker as the temperature doesn’t get hot enough. I usually finish mine off using a broiler.

Turn it up to maximum heat. The skin should begin to puff up and crackle. Be careful not to burn the crackling. Turn the tray or lower the rack to avoid burning.

What Wood Should You Use For Smoked Pork Belly?

My favorite types of wood to use with pork belly are cherrywood and applewood. They both complement pork nicely and don’t overwhelm it. You can see all the types of wood I recommend for pork belly here.

Can’t Find Pork Belly? Try Pork Butt

Need an alternative for pork belly? You can also get a delicious crackling on pork butt. Don’t trim the fat cap as much, and ensure you score and salt the meat to bring out those natural flavors.

If your pork butt stalls, you can either try wrapping it (that might affect the crackling), or you can up the temperature.

How To Serve Smoked Pork Belly

When you have finished your BBQ-smoked pork belly, you must decide how to eat it. There are so many options!

• You can shred it and create pulled pork. – See the recipe
• Cut into pork belly cubes and create pork belly burnt ends. – See the recipe
• Thinly slice it and have it with cucumber and hoisin in bao buns. See the recipe
• Slice into thick pieces and use them for sandwiches. – See the pork belly banh mi recipe

My Favorite Sides for Pork Belly

I like to serve this pork belly with a side of;

Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Smoked Broccoli
Pit Boss Baked Potato
Traeger Grilled Carrots
Bacon Mac and Cheese
See some of my other favorite sides for pork belly! There are dozens of other recipes for smoked sides here.

What to do With Leftovers ♻️🔥

Use up the pork belly to make: 🔥 Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

📌 Did you try this recipe?

Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?

I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!

📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.

📌 Did you try this recipe?

Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?

I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!

📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.

More Pork Belly Recipes 🍖🔥

Craving more pork belly or pork-inspired dishes? Check out these tasty options:

• 🐷 Traeger Pork Belly Burnt Ends – Sweet, sticky, smoky bites!
• 🍽️ Oven-Baked Pork Belly – Crispy skin and tender inside!
• 🥩 Grilled Pork Chops – A juicy grilled favorite.
• 🧂 Baked Stuffed Pork Chops – Flavorful and hearty.

Recommended For You:
Leftover Pork Belly? We have all the tastiest ways to use it!
Pork Ribs vs. Beef Ribs find what you should be eating!

Looking for a Healthier Alternative? (Try Pork Loin)

If you are catering to a health-conscious crowd, you might also want to try a different cut of pork.

Smoking pork loin yields much less fat and is one of the healthy smoker recipes. Now, some people are borderline addicted to the crackling (aka, the fat), and some want to enjoy pork without it. So make sure you cater to everyone! 

Got Some Leftover BBQ Smoked Pork Belly?

We all love leftovers! Sometimes I turn this pork belly into pulled pork if we have leftovers.

That way, it stays juicy. You must be mindful when reheating pulled pork as it can become dry and stringy. Try using juice or beer to keep it moist.

There you have it, my simple, delicious, and surprisingly easy smoked pork belly.

Happy smoking

Charlie

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