BBQ Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Creamy Sauce

Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients
For the Pork Belly Burnt Ends:
3 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
For the Creamy Sauce Drizzle:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Belly:

Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F (120°C).
In a large bowl, toss the pork belly cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
First Cook – Smoking or Roasting:

Place the pork belly cubes on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet or in a smoker tray.
Cook for 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the cubes develop a deep brown color and tender texture.
Glazing the Pork Belly:

Remove the pork belly cubes and transfer them to an aluminum tray. Add the butter cubes, BBQ sauce, and honey. Toss everything together to coat well.
Cover the tray with foil and return to the smoker or oven for 1 hour at the same temperature.
Caramelize the Burnt Ends:

Remove the foil, toss the cubes in the sauce again, and cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

While the pork finishes cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve and Drizzle:

Plate the pork belly burnt ends and drizzle the creamy sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Serving Tip:
Serve these BBQ pork belly burnt ends as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course with coleslaw and cornbread.

Enjoy the sticky-sweet BBQ flavor balanced with the tangy and creamy sauce!