Smoked Pork Belly Bites

Get ready to impress with Smoked Pork Belly Bites, a true show-stopper appetizer perfect for any BBQ or family gathering. Made on the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800, these bites bring together the rich, savory flavor of pork with a sophisticated touch of smoke, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to be the star of the event.

Instructions

Prepare the Pork Belly

1. 01

   Pat the pork belly cubes dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick and also help them crisp up during smoking.

2.  

   

Mix the Seasoning

3. 02

   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a dry rub.

4.  

   

Season the Pork Belly

5. 03

   Thoroughly coat each pork belly cube with the dry rub mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly covered.

6.  

   

Preheat the Masterbuilt Smoker

7. 04

   Set up your Masterbuilt 800 Digital Charcoal Gravity Series Smoker and preheat it to 250°F (121°C). Ensure it's up to temperature and stable before adding the pork.

Prepare to Smoke

8. 05

   Place the seasoned pork belly cubes on a wire rack or directly on the grill grate. Make sure they are spaced out evenly to allow for good airflow and even cooking.

Smoke the Pork Belly

9. 06

   Smoke the pork belly cubes at 250°F for about 2 to 3 hours. Check periodically. You are looking for a nice exterior bark and tender but not falling apart.

Glaze the Pork Belly

10. 07

    In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the apple cider vinegar and apple juice in a spray bottle and spritz the pork belly cubes lightly. This will help to keep them moist and add a layer of flavor.

11. 08

    Then, brush each cube generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and continue to smoke for the final 30 minutes to set the glaze.

Check for Doneness

12. 09

    The pork belly is done when it has a deep mahogany color, and a meat thermometer inserted into the cubes reads around 190°F-195°F (88°C 90°C), indicating they are beautifully tender and ready.

Serve

13. 10

    Remove the pork belly bites from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They should be sticky, sweet, and with a perfect smoke ring.

14.  

    

Sheed's Tips

15. 11

    Smoking pork belly can produce a lot of fat. Placing a drip pan with water beneath the grates can help manage flare-ups and keep the smoker clean.

16. 12

    These bites are perfect as an appetizer served with toothpicks or as a hearty main accompanied by coleslaw and cornbread.

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