Pork belly uestion

[Starsky]

I've looked around the site but can't find an answer. I've cooked pork belly a few times and it comes out OK but I don't know if it's cooked properly. I've seen some cooking competitions where a contestant is dinged because the judge wanted to see more of the fat rendered out. What? From what I've seen pork belly is mostly fat. What would be left? I don't trim any fat before smoking. Should I be?

[HawkerXP]

I follow the Malcom Reed method and it's always good!

[fracmeister]

Don't trim. But the rendering process does cook out some and improves the texture of what's left.

Of course I sous vide and smoke these so it is the ultra low and slow

[Elton's BBQ]

How do you sousvide porkbelly?

[Spinaker]

I take mine all the way up too 200 F. It simply melts in your mouth. There is almost nothing better. I love pork belly.

And dont worry about what you hear on cooking shows about judges. They are selling hysteria and often times ridiculous expectations to have something to complain about. Just cook what you and your family/guests love and go with that.

[Huskee]

110% agree

[Sweaty Paul]

This! 👆

[Ahumadora]

115% agree

[FireMan]

I have a Q for sale if yer interested.

[Henrik]

What Spinaker said. I devour pork belly, and have smoked it countless times and ways. How do you cook yours? Let us know if you want feedback or suggestions.

[Starsky]

I smoke mine low and slow to approx. 198 - 200 deg. I then cut it in to rib size slices and add a light sauce. Leftovers I fry up in a pan. There always seems to be a lot of fat after cooking so I was curious. I'm always up for feedback and suggestions

[BourBonQ]

Elton's BBQ

Try this thread...

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/the-pit-mastery-program/sous-vide/599543-pork-belly-svq-burnt-ends

For most meats I probably have a taste preference for live fire/smoke all the way, but not so for pork belly. I cannot cook pork belly any better than the SV+smoke method described in that thread.

[Elton's BBQ]

Thanks

[Polarbear777]

One of the keys is to balance the fat with salt and acid. Getting that right helps. As does a quick sear if even only on one side to add some crunch.

[BourBonQ]

Leaving the skin on helps with this. Done right you can get a nice light crispy pork rind "chicharron" on top.

Great, now I gotta run out and get some PB...

[bbqLuv]

Pork Belly Burnt Ends. My goto, short and sweet video, how-to, works great, tastes great: (7) Pork Belly Burnt Ends Video - YouTube

[Troutman]

I’m still a devote of Harry Soo’s Pork Belly Pig Candy....

https://www.slapyodaddybbq.com/2017/06/pork-belly-pig-candy/

[HouseHomey]

Spinaker .....👈 what he said. Do listen to all that BS.

you never render all that fat. Fat can get softer when cooked well but that’s it.

BourBonQ Henrik Polarbear777 if it’s soft and delicious and your family enjoys it..... work from there like they said.

I cooked about 6 bellies a week. You will not render that fat with the methods we use and how we like to eat it.

Just do you and nail that.

[FireMan]

Half off on Q’s! TODAY ONLY! ​​​​​​

They are going fast! Hurry!

[Huskee]

I have half-off IQs, daily.

[FireMan]

I’ll take a half a loaf!

[RustyHaines]

Malcolm's burnt ends is my go to for pork belly. I have made them in my kettle and my PBC. Easy ingredients, recipe, and cook. They are incredibly good. Would cook them more frequently if my wife would let me ! She keeps saying something about them not being good for me but I miss the details of the conversation because of my loud mmmmmmmming and ahhhhhhhhhing :-)

[Dadof3Illinois]

I like Malcoms burnt ends but also like to smoke a skin off 3-4 lb slab to IT of 175. Then let it cool and refrigerate it for a few hours or over night. Now slice it 1/2”+ thick, and grill it hot and fast. Glaze with a 50/50 blend of bbq sauce and orange marmalade.

[DogFaced PonySoldier]

Wait, what??? You cook to an IT of 275??? Or did you mean 175???

[Dadof3Illinois]

DogFaced PonySoldier you mean you don't cook yours to 275 internal....HA!! No, my fat fingers can really get in the way sometimes.....yea i meant 175.

[clb239]

Depends on what you are going for as an end result...I have done Malcolm's Pork Belly Burnt Ends many times with awesome results.

Several times I have smoked belly the same as I would a pork butt and I ended up with the best pulled pork I have ever eaten.