Korean cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors, unique marinades, and communal dining experiences. One dish that perfectly encapsulates these qualities is Korean-style BBQ pork belly burnt ends.
Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of Korean barbecue, this fusion creation melds the succulence of pork belly with the vibrant tastes of Korean seasonings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the art of crafting these tantalizing delights on a smoker. Furthermore, we’ll explore two irresistible variations: a sweet rendition and a fiery, spicy version.
Selecting the Perfect Pork Belly
Before embarking on this culinary adventure, it’s crucial to start with quality ingredients. For Korean-style BBQ pork belly burnt ends, opt for a well-marbled pork belly that boasts an ideal ratio of meat and fat. This marbling is key to achieving the desired tenderness and flavor profile once the pork is smoked.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lbs of pork belly, skin removed
- Korean BBQ rub (recipe provided below)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice wine (mirin)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, for spicy version)
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions(optional)
- Wood chips for smoking (oak, apple, or hickory)
Korean BBQ Rub:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- ½ tsp sea salt
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Preparing the Pork Belly:
- Rinse the pork belly and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1.5 inches each.
- Crafting the Korean Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This marinade infuses the pork with those characteristic Korean flavors.
- Marinating the Pork:
- Place the pork cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prepping the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C) using your preferred wood chips.
- If using an electric or charcoal smoker, set up indirect heat for slow cooking.
- Smoking the Pork Belly:
- Remove the pork cubes from the marinade and blot them dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for basting later.
- Apply a generous coating of the Korean BBQ rub to all sides of the pork cubes. Let them sit at room temperature while the smoker heats up.
- Place the pork cubes on the smoker grates, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
- The Smoking Process:
- Smoke the pork belly cubes for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of around 200°F (93°C). This leisurely smoking period allows the flavors to meld and the fat to render, resulting in tender and flavorful burnt ends.
- Savory Glaze (For Sweet Version):
- In a small saucepan, gently heat ¼ cup of the reserved marinade. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, then set it aside.
- Brush the glaze over the pork cubes during the last 20-30 minutes of smoking.
- Spicy Variation: A Touch of Heat:
- To create the spicy variation, sprinkle gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) over the pork cubes along with the Korean BBQ rub before smoking. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once the pork belly burnt ends achieve the desired tenderness and a beautiful caramelized crust, remove them from the smoker.
- Allow the burnt ends to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period ensures juiciness and optimal flavor distribution.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seed and thinly sliced scallions.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of crafting Korean-style BBQ pork belly burnt ends introduces a delightful fusion of flavors and culinary traditions to your palate. The fusion of slow-smoked pork belly and the vibrant seasonings of Korean cuisine creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you opt for the sweet glaze or the fiery twist of the spicy version, your taste buds are in for an exciting adventure. Fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and savor the fusion of Korean barbecue inspiration and modern innovation on your plate.
