Transform your next gathering into a memorable feast with these smoked pork belly pinwheels. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also incredibly delicious. Imagine a pork lollipop that’s tender on the inside and coated with a maple bourbon glaze that has citrus notes from fresh orange juice. The sweet and tacky coating makes each bite a juicy and tender experience. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both a treat and a showstopper.
Elevate your appetizer skills with these smoky delights. The pinwheels are portable pleasure packets that are primed for your next grill session. By stuffing and spinning the meat, each roll becomes a bundle of barbecue bliss. With just a few flavor-filling steps, you can create handheld bites of hickory happiness that your crew will go hog wild for. These hard-to-resist cylinders of smoked swine sublimity are perfect for any smoldering snacks session by the fire pit. The rewards are well worth the effort, making these smoked pork belly pinwheels an unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire.
How to Make Smoked Pork Belly Pinwheels
To create these smoked pork belly pinwheels with a maple bourbon glaze, start by preparing your pork with a simple rub. Roll the seasoned meat onto skewers and let it smoke for about 3-4 hours. The recipe is straightforward, involving just a few steps to achieve that perfect smoked flavor. Once the smoking process is complete, apply the glaze made from 4 ingredients to give each pinwheel a nice, tacky coating that resembles candy. This glazing step ensures that every bite is as delicious as it looks.
A Word About Skewers
When making smoked pork belly pinwheels, using the right skewers is crucial. I prefer wooden skewers over metal ones because they don’t get hot, making them easier to handle. Plus, they look and feel better during handling. Before grilling, make sure to soak the wood skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Opt for thicker skewers to support the weight of the pork belly effectively.
Preparing the Pork Belly Pinwheels
To start making these delicious smoked pork belly pinwheels, begin with a 2-3 pound slab of pork belly with the skin removed. Cut the meat into 1 inch slices lengthwise. Next, season the pork on all sides with a homemade bbq seasoning. If you don’t have time to make your own, an all-purpose bbq seasoning works just as well.
After seasoning, roll each slice of pork belly into a pinwheel. Take a wooden skewer and push it through the meat to secure it. Now, it’s time to place them on the smoker to cook. The combination of the smoky flavor and the maple bourbon glaze will make these pinwheels an unforgettable dish.
Smoking Pork Belly Pinwheels
To get started, preheat your smoker to 250°F. Arrange the pinwheels neatly side by side in the smoker. Let them smoke for about 3 hours. It’s important to check the temperature during this process. Once the pork belly reaches around 175°F, it’s time to add the glaze. Let the glaze set in the last hour of smoking to infuse the pinwheels with that rich, sweet flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly smoked pork belly pinwheels with a delicious maple bourbon glaze. The combination of careful temperature control and timely glazing ensures a mouth-watering result every time.
Making the Maple Bourbon Glaze
To create the perfect glaze for your smoked pork belly pinwheels, start by combining orange juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a small pot. Whisk the mixture together and let it reduce for about 20-30 minutes until the glaze thickens. As it cools down, it will become even thicker. A pro tip is to add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and whisk it in if you need to thicken the glaze more. The final consistency should be syrupy to coat the pork belly pinwheels perfectly.
Glazing the Pork Belly
When your pork belly pinwheels reach an internal temperature of 175°F, it’s time to start brushing on the glaze. Apply a few coats of glaze on both sides of the pork during the first 10 minutes. This initial glazing helps to build up a nice layer of flavor.
After the initial glazing, smoke the pinwheels for another hour until they reach an internal temperature of 200°F. By this time, the glaze should be nice and sticky and well adhered to the pork. If you have any leftover glaze, add another coat just before serving to enhance the flavor even more.
Choosing the Right Skewers
When making smoked pork belly pinwheels, choosing the right skewers is important. While both metal and wooden skewers can be used, I prefer wood. Wood conducts heat differently, so it doesn’t get as hot on the exterior surfaces, making it easier to handle during grilling and smoking. This also helps prevent burns. Plus, wooden skewers just look and feel nicer in my opinion.
Proper handling of wooden skewers is key. Always soak fresh wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill during the cooking process. I recommend using thicker skewers, as they are better at holding up dense cuts of marbled pork belly without breaking or scorching. This small step ensures that your recipe turns out perfectly every time.
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Equipment Needed
Total cooking time
4 hours 29 minutes yield: 6
🍖 Ingredients for Smoked Pork Belly Pinwheels 🍖
🌀 Step 1: Gather Ingredients
- Pork Belly: 2–3 pound slab
- BBQ Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Orange Juice: 1/2 cup
- Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup
- Bourbon: 1/4 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup
🎯 Step 2: Season the Pork Belly Start by seasoning the pork belly with 2 tablespoons of BBQ seasoning. This will add a smoky flavor to the meat.
🍯 Step 3: Prepare the Glaze Mix together:
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of bourbon
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
This combination will give the pork belly a sweet and rich taste.
🔄 Step 4: Prepare the Pork Belly Pinwheels Once you have all your ingredients ready, begin preparing the pork belly pinwheels. The blend of orange juice, maple syrup, bourbon, and brown sugar creates a perfect glaze that complements the smoky, seasoned pork belly.
🔥 Step 5: Recipe Highlight This recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a favorite for any barbecue lover. Get ready to enjoy the delicious smoked pork belly with this easy-to-follow recipe! 😋
Instructions
🌀 Step 1: Soak Skewers First, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
🔪 Step 2: Prepare Pork Belly Next, cut the pork belly into 1-inch thick slices and roll each slice into a pinwheel. Insert a skewer through the bottom and out of the top to hold together each pinwheel, making them look like a lollipop.
🌡️ Step 3: Smoke the Pork Belly Set your smoker to 250°F and smoke the pork belly pinwheels for 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
🍯 Step 4: Prepare the Glaze While the pork is smoking, prepare the glaze:
- Combine orange juice, maple syrup, bourbon, and brown sugar in a small pot over medium heat.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- If needed, whisk in 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to thicken it further as it cools.
🍖 Step 5: Glaze the Pork Belly When the pork belly pinwheels are almost done, start brushing the glaze on them while they are still on the smoker. Make sure to flip them to coat both sides and continue to apply a few coats of glaze during the last hour.
🍽️ Step 6: Final Touch Once the internal temperature reaches 200°F, remove the pinwheels from the heat, brush with glaze one more time, and serve. Enjoy your delicious pork belly pinwheels! 😋
Final Thoughts
Smoked pork belly is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in countless preparations beyond the classic pinwheel appetizer. The rich maple bourbon glaze adds a unique flavor, but don’t hesitate to try savory soy-garlic variations. Discovering new ways to showcase smoked pork belly can be an enjoyable culinary challenge. The options are endless – from pulling the meat for sandwiches, topping pizzas, or mixing it into breakfast hashes and bowls.
With a bit of creativity, one batch of smoked pork belly can inspire many more homemade meals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and cooking methods to put your own twist on this versatile ingredient. Starting with high-quality pork ensures the best results, so treat yourself to the perfect pork belly slab and draw inspiration from traditional recipes as you create your own signature dishes.
FAQS
What is Smoked Pork Belly Called?
Smoked pork belly, often referred to as bacon, is a delicious treat that many enjoy. Producers carefully cure the meat using a mix of sugar, synthetic nitrates, and nitrites to enhance the flavor and preserve it. Once seasoned and smoked, the pork belly is sliced into thin pieces, creating that familiar taste we all love. The process to make bacon from pork belly is meticulous, ensuring each bite is full of rich, savory goodness.
Should you wrap smoked pork belly?
When preparing smoked pork belly pinwheels with a maple bourbon glaze, it’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. You need to wait until it hits 165°F (74°C), which usually takes about 6 hours. To keep the pork belly moist, spritz it with apple juice every hour. Once the pork belly reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. This step is vital to lock in the flavors and ensure the meat remains tender and juicy. Wrapping the pork belly at 165°F (74°C) helps maintain its texture and enhances the overall taste of your pinwheels.
How to smoke pork belly on BBQ?
To make delicious smoked pork belly pinwheels with a maple bourbon glaze, start by placing a wire rack directly on the grill grates and smoke the pork belly at temperatures between 225°F and 250°F for about 2 ½ to 3 hours. You want a dark red color and a nice bark to form on the meat. Next, transfer the pork belly cubes to a disposable pan and add BBQ sauce, butter, and honey, ensuring to stir and evenly coat each piece. This method ensures your pork belly is flavorful and tender, perfect for your pinwheels.
Is pork belly healthy?
While enjoying smoked pork belly pinwheels with a maple bourbon glaze, it’s important to consider the health aspects. Pork belly can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods. Although pork belly contains cholesterol, dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood levels than once thought. However, moderation remains key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle with these delicious pinwheels.