Honey-Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of smoky, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence like pork belly burnt ends. Often referred to as “meat candy,” these bite-sized cubes of pork belly are slowly smoked or roasted until tender, then coated in a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes to perfection. The result is a combination of crispy edges, juicy interiors, and a flavor profile that balances sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer, a party snack, or the star of a weekend barbecue, these Honey-Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends are guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1 ½ inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika preferred)

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into cubes and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toss until all cubes are evenly coated.

2. Roast or Smoke: Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F (120°C). Arrange the seasoned pork belly cubes on a baking sheet or wire rack. Cook for 2 ½–3 hours, turning occasionally, until the meat is tender and has developed a rich, caramelized crust.

   ADVERTISEMENT

3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, and melted butter. Stir over low heat until well blended.

4. Glaze the Pork Belly: Remove pork belly cubes from the smoker/oven and transfer them to a foil-lined pan. Pour the glaze over the meat and toss to coat. Return to the oven or smoker for another 30–40 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and thicken.

5. Serve: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Conclusion

Honey-Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends are the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers. With their tender texture, sticky glaze, and irresistible smoky sweetness, they’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings, game nights, or outdoor barbecues. Each cube offers a perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Serve them straight from the pan with extra napkins — because when something tastes this good, a little mess is worth it!