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**Maple Cayenne Pork Belly Burnt Ends: A Sweet and Spicy BBQ Delight**
If you’re a fan of barbecue, then **Maple Cayenne Pork Belly Burnt Ends** are about to become your new favorite dish. This recipe takes the classic barbecue burnt ends and elevates them with a rich, sweet maple glaze and a spicy cayenne kick. The combination of the tender, juicy pork belly and the caramelized glaze creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, a game-day party, or just want to treat yourself to a fantastic meal, these burnt ends are sure to impress.
### Why You’ll Love Maple Cayenne Pork Belly Burnt Ends
1. **Sweet and Spicy Flavor**: The combination of maple syrup and cayenne pepper creates the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, adding a complex depth of flavor to every bite.
2. **Irresistibly Tender Texture**: The pork belly becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow, with a caramelized exterior that’s crisp and sticky, making it hard to resist.
3. **Perfect for BBQ Lovers**: If you love smoked or grilled meats, these burnt ends are a fantastic way to enjoy a BBQ classic with a twist.
4. **Ideal for Entertaining**: Serve these as appetizers, snacks, or even as the main course at your next cookout. They’re a hit at any gathering!
### Ingredients You’ll Need
– 3 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
**For the Glaze**:
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Preheat and Prep the Pork Belly**:
– Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F (120°C). If using a smoker, add some wood chips for a smoky flavor.
– In a large bowl, toss the pork belly cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
**2. Smoke or Roast the Pork Belly**:
– Place the seasoned pork belly cubes on a wire rack over a baking sheet, or directly on the grill grates if using a smoker.
– Cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) and is tender. The cubes should have a slightly crispy exterior.
**3. Prepare the Maple Cayenne Glaze**:
– In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
**4. Toss the Pork Belly in the Glaze**:
– Transfer the cooked pork belly cubes to a disposable aluminum pan. Pour the glaze over the pork and toss to coat evenly.
– Return the pan to the smoker or oven and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has caramelized and the pork belly cubes are sticky and coated.
**5. Serve Warm**:
– Remove the pork belly burnt ends from the smoker or oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
### Tips for Success
– **Adjust the Heat Level**: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne, or for more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
– **Use a Smoker for Authentic BBQ Flavor**: While you can make these in the oven, smoking the pork belly adds a layer of flavor that takes these burnt ends to the next level.
– **Let the Glaze Caramelize**: The extra time in the smoker or oven after adding the glaze allows the sugars to caramelize and the flavors to intensify.
### Perfect for Any BBQ Occasion
**Maple Cayenne Pork Belly Burnt Ends** are versatile enough to fit into any barbecue menu. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. Their sticky, sweet, and spicy profile will make them the star of the show at any gathering, from game-day parties to summer cookouts.
### Conclusion
These **Maple Cayenne Pork Belly Burnt Ends** are everything you want in a BBQ dish: tender, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. The combination of smoky pork belly with a sweet and spicy glaze makes each bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a home cook looking for a delicious recipe to try, these burnt ends will deliver big on taste and make you the hero of your next barbecue.
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