Discover > BBQ at Home > How to Make Your Own Home Smoked Texas-Style Pork Belly

The first time I tried smoked pork belly (What wine goes well with pork belly?) or burnt ends or a slab of bacon (how long does bacon last?) was a memorable experience for me. The first bite, revelations, and realizations started flashing through my mind. I finally found something better than bacon and that's a slab of unsliced bacon being smoked with that Texan tender love and care that comes with wielding the magic of meat and fire. And, like any sensible Texan, wondered how to make one myself once I was allowed time near and around my family's smoker.

Smoking pork belly is a popular cooking technique that originated in Texas, and it's a great way to enjoy delicious and tender meat at home. The process involves slow cooking the meat over low heat, which allows the flavors to develop and the fat to render, resulting in a mouth-watering dish. If you want to learn how to smoke pork belly the Texan way from home, read on for a step-by-step guide.

A Good Smoked Pork Belly Recipe Starts with the Best Cuts

The first step in smoking pork belly is to select the right cut of meat. Look for a pork belly that is at least 2 inches thick and has a good layer of pork belly fat.

The fat is what will keep the meat moist and juicy during the smoking process, so don't be afraid of it. If possible, try to find a pork belly with the skin still on, as this will add extra flavor and texture to the finished dish.

Season the Meat

Once you have your pork belly, it's time to season it. The Texan way of smoking meat, particularly pork belly, usually involves a dry rub, which is a mixture of spices that is applied to the meat before smoking.

You can make your own dry rub by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, (how long does garlic powder last?) and any other spices that you like. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover every inch of the meat.

Let the Meat Rest

After seasoning the meat, let it rest for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and will give the rub time to create a crust on the surface of the pork belly.

Also, don't use the rub sparingly and make sure to coat the whole cut of meat. This will form a bark outside of the pork belly that will add all that flavorful seasoning to every bite.

Prep Your Smoker

While the meat is resting, prepare your smoker. The traditional Texan way of smoking pork belly is with a wood-burning smoker, but you can also use a gas or electric smoker if you prefer.

If you're using a wood-burning smoker, use mesquite or post oak wood for the best flavor. Fill the smoker with wood chips or chunks and heat it to a temperature of around 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Texas-Style Smoked Pork Belly

Texas style smoked pork belly is a delicious and popular dish that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. This dish is known for its rich and smoky flavor and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Pork belly is a fatty and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for smoking, and when combined with the right rub and cooking technique, it results in an unforgettable meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 slab of pork belly (3-4 pounds)
2 tbsp coarse salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp smoked paprika (how long does smoked paprika last?)
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder (how long does onion powder last?)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup wood chips (hickory or applewood)
BBQ sauce (optional)

Equipment Needed

Smoker
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil
Baking tray
Butcher's twine

Texas-Style Smoked Pork Belly: A Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 250°F.

Step 2: While the smoker is heating up, prepare the pork belly by scoring the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts, being careful not to cut into the meat. This will help the smoke and rub to penetrate the meat and also make it easier to slice the finished product.

Step 3: Mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to make the rub.

Step 4: Apply the slather on the meat to help let the rub stick to the surfaced and infusing flavorsRub the mixture generously over the pork belly, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 5: Place the pork belly on the smoker grates and add the wood chips to the smoker box. Close the lid and smoke the pork belly for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Once the pork belly reaches 160°F, remove it from the smoker and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.

Step 7: Place the wrapped pork belly on a baking tray and return it to the smoker. Smoke for an additional 1-2 hours or until the internal temp reaches 200°F.

Step 8: Remove the pork belly from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the juices in the meat to be redistributed.

Step 9: Remove the foil and slice the pork belly into 1/2 inch thick slices or you can slice them up in cubes.

Step 10: Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce (optional) and enjoy!

Texas-style smoked pork belly is an impressive and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy any meat lover's cravings. The combination of tender meat and rich smoky flavor make it a crowd favorite, and the recipe above provides a simple and easy-to-follow guide to make it at home.

Smoking Pork Belly: A Labor of Love

With the right equipment and ingredients, you can create an unforgettable meal that will have your guests coming back for more. With Texas-style smoked pork belly, you have a wide variety of dishes you can use it on.

From delicious pork belly sliced into cubes to fall apart tender meats that go great in pork belly sandwiches. So fire up the smoker, prepare the pork belly, and get ready to enjoy this delicious Texas-style dish.

Looking for the best brisket restaurants across Texas this 2023? Click here!

Dont forget to check out our all in one resource for texas bbq!

Yield: 6

Author: Mariano Clement Gupana

Texas-Style Smoked Pork Belly

Prep time: 1 HourCook time: 5 HourTotal time: 6 Hour

exas style smoked pork belly is a delicious and popular dish that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. This dish is known for its rich and smoky flavor and tender texture that melts in your mouth.