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Bourbon Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends

bourbon glazed pork belly burnt ends - featured image

Sticky, sweet, and smoky pork belly burnt ends with caramelized bourbon glaze and charred edges. Perfectly tender inside with crispy, addictive bites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork belly (1.4 to 1.8 kg)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup bourbon (120 ml)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (110 g)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 12 tablespoons honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Cut pork belly into 1.5-inch (4 cm) cubes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spread pork belly cubes evenly without touching. Slow roast in oven for about 2.5 hours until fat renders and pork is tender.
  3. While pork cooks, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using) until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  4. Remove pork from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour half the bourbon glaze over pork and toss gently to coat.
  5. Return glazed pork to wire rack on baking sheet. Tent loosely with foil.
  6. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with remaining glaze until edges are sticky and caramelized.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to allow fat to drip away and get crispy edges. Baste frequently during high-heat finish to avoid burning glaze. Let rest before serving to redistribute juices. Can substitute bourbon with whiskey or dark rum. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Optional chili flakes and honey add kick and extra sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon glazed pork belly, burnt ends, sticky pork belly, sweet pork belly, smoky pork, bourbon glaze, party appetizer, finger food