BBQ Glaze Recipe: Complete Guide to Pork Belly Burnt Ends
If you want a BBQ glaze recipe that turns a humble cut into pure candy, pork belly burnt ends are it. Sometimes called "meat candy" by pitmasters, these bite-sized cubes of smoked pork belly are twice-cooked and double-glazed until they're sticky, caramelized, and completely irresistible. This complete guide breaks down the whole process, start to finish.
What Are Pork Belly Burnt Ends?
Traditional burnt ends come from a brisket point, but pork belly burnt ends have become just as popular because pork belly's high fat content makes it nearly impossible to overcook. The belly is cubed, smoked low and slow, then tossed in a pan with butter, brown sugar, and a BBQ glaze before going back on the smoker to set.
Choosing Your BBQ Glaze
Because pork belly is so rich, this BBQ glaze recipe benefits from a jelly with real fruit brightness. The Jalapeño Blackberry Spread is a favorite for burnt ends — the dark berry sweetness plays beautifully against the smoky fat. For more heat, reach for the Red Hot Spread instead.
Step-by-Step BBQ Glaze Recipe for Burnt Ends
- Cube the pork belly into 1.5-inch pieces and season generously with a sweet rub.
- Smoke at 250°F for about 2.5 hours, until the cubes have a deep mahogany bark.
- Pan them up in a foil pan with a few tablespoons of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar.
- Cover and cook another 45 minutes at the same temperature, until fork-tender.
- Warm your BBQ glaze and pour it over the cubes, tossing gently to coat every piece.
- Uncover and return to the smoker for a final 20–30 minutes, until the glaze is tacky and set.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving straight from the pan with toothpicks.
Tips for the Best Results
Don't rush the second cook — the glaze needs time to reduce and cling rather than pool in the bottom of the pan. If you find the glaze thinning out too much, tilt the pan and baste the cubes with the pooled liquid every 10 minutes for extra shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this BBQ glaze recipe with regular pork shoulder instead of belly?
Yes, though shoulder burnt ends need a bit longer in the first smoke since they're leaner and take more time to become tender.
How long do pork belly burnt ends keep?
Refrigerate leftovers up to four days and reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to loosen the glaze back up.
What sides pair well with burnt ends?
A tangy vinegar slaw or pickled vegetables help cut through the richness and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Stock up on the glaze flavors featured in this recipe at THE Ultimate BBQ Boost 6 Pack Bundle, available at Smoky Mountain Spread.