Make irresistible Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with this easy recipe! These smoky, caramelized bites are packed with flavor and perfect for any BBQ lover.
Today, we are making pork belly burnt ends in my new Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, and they are amazing!
Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for any BBQ lover. With a rich, caramelized glaze, they offer the perfect combination of crispy edges and tender, juicy meat.
If you love easy Ninja Woodfire Recipes, try my recipe for Smoked Brisket on a Ninja Woodfire Grill, Ninja Woodfire Grill Tilapia, or Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoked Pork Tenderloin.
What are pork belly burnt ends?
Pork belly burnt ends are a delicious BBQ treat made from pork belly, often referred to as the “brisket of the pork world.” The cut is typically smoked low and slow until tender, then cubed and coated in a sweet and savory glaze for a caramelized finish.
The result is a bite-sized, flavorful morsel with a crispy, slightly charred exterior and a juicy, tender interior. This popular dish is a fan favorite at BBQ joints and is often served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Why you will love this recipe!
- Smoky Flavor: The Ninja smoker infuses the pork belly with a deep, smoky flavor that takes these burnt ends to the next level.
- Tender and Juicy: The slow smoking process ensures that the pork belly turns out tender and juicy with every bite.
- Crispy Exterior: The outer layer of the pork belly becomes perfectly crispy, providing a satisfying texture contrast.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Perfect for BBQ Lovers: These smoked pork belly burnt ends are a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, smoky BBQ flavors.
Ingredients Needed
- Pork Belly: Use pork belly, cut into cubes, as the base for the tender and flavorful burnt ends.
- Steak Rub: Coat the pork belly cubes with your preferred steak rub to add a savory, seasoned flavor.
- Butter: To create a rich and delicious glaze that will complement the pork belly.
- Brown Sugar: Add brown sugar to balance the savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce to give the burnt ends their signature tangy and smoky flavor.
How To Smoke Pork Belly Burnt Ends On A Ninja Grill
Step One: Add a scoop of food-grade wood pellets into the wood pellet burner of your Ninja Woodfire grill.
Step Two: Turn on the grill to the ‘grill’ setting for this recipe. If you’re using wood pellets, press the Woodfire Flavor Technology button and set the heat to ‘Lo’. Allow the grill to preheat, and wait for the display to show ‘Add Food’ before adding your ingredients.
Step Three: While the grill is preheating, prepare the pork belly bites. Place the cubed pork belly into a medium bowl, then sprinkle the steak rub over the top. Toss the pieces to ensure they are fully coated in the seasoning.
Step Four: Once preheated, add the pork belly bites to the Ninja Woodfire and sear each side, flipping the pieces quickly and closing the lid in between flips. The searing process should go fast, so stay nearby to prevent overcooking.
Step Five: Once seared, transfer the pork belly bites to a small or medium disposable aluminum pan. Top the pork belly with butter, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce, then cover the pan with aluminum foil. Return the pan to the grill and set cook time for 15-20 more minutes at low heat. For extra smoky flavor, you can cook uncovered or make small holes in the foil. The pork belly bites are done when they reach a minimum of 145°F. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce, if desired.
Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends Recipe Tips
- Use food-grade wood pellets – Ensure you use food-grade wood pellets for the best smoky flavor, and avoid any non-food-safe pellets to keep the taste clean and delicious.
- Monitor the searing time – When searing the pork belly bites, keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. They sear quickly, so flip them as soon as they reach a golden brown color.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to adjust the steak rub and barbecue sauce based on your flavor preferences. More or less can be added depending on how bold you like your pork belly.
- Cook low and slow for tender bites – After searing, make sure to cook the pork belly bites on low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the bites to tenderize.
- Check internal temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork belly bites reach at least 145°F for safe consumption. Adjust cook time accordingly if needed.
- Experiment with wood flavors – If you want to add a twist to the flavor profile, try experimenting with different wood flavors for the Woodfire grill, such as hickory or applewood, for a unique smoky experience.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before storing to preserve freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the smoked pork belly burnt ends in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring they are tightly sealed. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, and reheated directly from frozen or after thawing overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat your pork belly burnt ends in the microwave or on the stovetop until they reach the desired temperature. For the best results, you can also reheat them in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to keep them tender and juicy.
How To Serve Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Bites
Ninja Woodfire Pork Belly Bites pair perfectly with a variety of sides that complement their smoky, savory flavor. Serve them alongside a crisp, tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness, or offer a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch. Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini work well to add freshness, while a side of cornbread or warm dinner rolls can help soak up the flavorful juices. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some additional barbecue sauce over the pork belly bites and sides.
Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends Recipe Faqs
Can I use regular pork belly instead of cubed pork belly? Yes, you can use a whole slab of pork belly and cut it into cubes yourself. Just make sure they are of uniform size to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to use a Ninja Woodfire Grill for this recipe? While the Ninja Woodfire Grill gives a unique smoky flavor, you can use any smoker or grill that allows for low and slow cooking. Alternatively, a regular oven can be used, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the burnt ends? Yes, you can modify the brown sugar and barbecue sauce ratio to make the pork belly bites more or less sweet based on your preference.
How do I know when the pork belly burnt ends are done? Pork belly burnt ends should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safety. For extra tenderness, you can cook them longer if desired, until they are fall-apart tender.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pork belly bites up to the point of adding them to the pan. Store them in the fridge, and then continue cooking when you’re ready to finish them.
What is the best wood pellet flavor for these pork belly burnt ends? Applewood or hickory are great choices for a balanced, smoky flavor that pairs well with pork. However, you can experiment with other wood flavors based on your taste preference.
More Ninja Woodfire Recipes
- Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoked Pork Tenderloin
- Ninja Woodfire Blueberry Muffins
- Ninja Woodfire Grill Chicken Breast
- Ninja Woodfire Grilled Zucchini
- Ninja Woodfire Grill French Toast
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Ninja Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Description
Ingredients
- 3-5 lbs pork belly, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp preferred steak rub
- 6-8 tbsp of butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups barbeque sauce
Instructions
- Place a scoop of food-grade wood pellets into the wood pellet burner of your Ninja Woodfire grill. Remember to not use any wood pellets that are not food-grade safe.
- Turn on the Ninja Woodfire grill to the desired setting. For these pork belly bites the ‘grill ‘ setting is recommended.
- If using wood pellets, press the Woodfire Flavor Technology button. Next, set the heat to ‘Lo’ heat. Allow the Ninja Woodfire to Preheat. Be sure to not add food to the Ninja Woodfire until the display says ‘Add Food’.
- While the Ninja Woodfire is preheating, prepare the ninja woodfire pork belly bites.
- Place your cubed pieces of pork belly into a medium bowl.
- Add the steak rub to the bowl over the pork belly bites. Flips the pork belly bites to fully coat each piece in the steak rub.
- Add the pork belly bites to the preheated Ninja Woodfire and sear each side of the pork belly bites, closing the lid in between each flipping. The meat will sear quickly so stay close so as to not overcook the bites.
- After the pork belly bites are seared, add the pork belly bites to a small to medium disposable aluminum pan.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, and barbeque sauce to the pan over the pork belly bites. Cover the pan in tin foil.
- Add the pork belly bites back to the woodfire and allow to cook for 15-20 more minutes, keeping the heat setting on low. If you want to add extra woodfire flavoring, you can cook uncovered or add a few holes in the tin foil on top.
- The pork belly bites are done when they reach a minimum of 145 degrees fahrenheit.
- Serve warm with extra barbeque sauce if desired. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Woodfire Grill, on Ninja Foodi Grill
- Tongs
Nutrition
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