Sizzling Secrets: How to Cook Pork Belly on a Charcoal BBQ

Last Updated on January 30, 2023

Barbecue season is in full swing, and nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly cooked pork belly on a charcoal bbq. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at cooking this succulent cut of meat but aren’t sure where to start, then look no further. In this blog post, we’ll take you through all the steps necessary for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth goodness – from preparing the pork belly, lighting up the charcoal BBQ and finally putting those finishing touches on it. So fire up your grills, and let’s get started learning how to cook pork belly on a charcoal bbq.

Table of Contents:

• Preparing the Pork Belly
  • Trimming the Fat
  • Seasoning with Salt and Pepper
• Lighting the Charcoal BBQ
• Cooking the Pork Belly
• Finishing Touches
• FAQs in Relation to How to Cook Pork Belly on a Charcoal Bbq
  • How long does it take to barbecue pork belly?
  • How do you cook pork belly on a Weber charcoal grill?
  • What is the best way to cook pork belly on the BBQ?
• Conclusion

Preparing the Pork Belly

Trimming the Fat

Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat, so it’s important to trim off any excess fat before cooking. Start by laying the pork belly on a cutting board and using kitchen shears or a sharp knife to remove any large pieces of fat. Be sure to get rid of all visible fat, but don’t worry about getting every last bit – some fat will render out during cooking.

Seasoning with Salt and Pepper

Once you’ve trimmed away the excess fat, season both sides of the pork belly generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands to rub in the seasoning evenly across both sides of the meat. You can also add other herbs or spices if desired – garlic powder, paprika, and cumin are all great options for adding extra flavour. Allow the seasoned pork belly to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking; this allows time for flavours from the seasoning blend to penetrate into the meat and helps ensure an even cook throughout when it’s ready for roasting or grilling.

Once the pork belly is prepared, it’s time to light up the charcoal BBQ so you can cook your delicious dish.

Lighting the Charcoal BBQ

Lighting a charcoal BBQ can be an intimidating task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s easy to master. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment: Charcoal, firelighters or lighter fluid, matches or a lighter and some kindling (small twigs).

When choosing your charcoal for barbecuing, there are two main types – briquettes and lumpwood. Briquettes burn longer than lumpwood as they contain additives that help them stay lit for longer periods of time. Lumpwood is ideal if you want to get cooking quickly, as it lights faster than briquettes. Whichever type of charcoal you choose, make sure it’s dry before lighting.

Once your equipment is ready, place the charcoal in a pyramid shape at one end of the barbecue grill. Place several firelighters on top of the pyramid, then light them using either matches or a lighter. Once they’re burning steadily, add some small pieces of kindling over the top – this will help spread heat throughout the coals more evenly when they start to burn down.

Once all your coals have turned grey/white, you can add food to your BBQ. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on how much coal has been used and what type was chosen (briquette vs lumpwood). Make sure to keep an eye on things while waiting so that no stray sparks fly out from underneath. Finally, once everything is ready, just sit back and enjoy your perfectly cooked meal.

Cooking the Pork Belly

Cooking pork belly on a charcoal BBQ is an art form. It requires patience, precision and skill to get it just right.

First, you’ll need to prepare your pork belly by rubbing it with salt and pepper and any other seasonings of your choice. This will help create a flavorful crust when cooked. Once prepared, place the pork belly onto the grill over indirect heat for about 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

When cooking pork belly on a charcoal BBQ, controlling the temperature is key in order to achieve that perfect balance between crispy skin and juicy meat inside. To do this, adjust how much air enters through vents in order to control how hot your coals are burning – more air means hotter coals which translates into higher temperatures on your grill grates where you’re cooking your food.

To ensure even cooking throughout all sides of the pork belly, turn it every 30 minutes or so using tongs or two spatulas so that each side has enough time to go directly over those hot coals without burning too quickly. If you notice one side getting too dark before others have had their chance at some direct heat from those coals, then move it back away from them for a while until they’ve all had their fair share of cook time.

Once done cooking, let the pork belly rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving with your desired accompaniments. Enjoy.

Cooking the pork belly on a charcoal bbq is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. With just a few finishing touches, your meal will be ready to serve.

Finishing Touches

When it comes to finishing off your pork belly, there are a few things you can do to get that perfect crispy texture. One of the most popular methods is glazing. This involves brushing or drizzling some kind of sweet syrup onto the meat before cooking and then again during cooking for extra flavour. You could use honey, maple syrup, or even BBQ sauce for this step.

Another way to achieve a crispy finish is by basting with oil or butter while cooking. This will help keep the pork belly moist and also give it an added crunchy texture when cooked through properly. Make sure not to overdo it though; too much fat can make your dish greasy and unappetizing.

Finally, be sure you cook your pork belly until it is done all the way through – no one wants undercooked pork. To check if it is ready, insert a sharp knife into the thickest part of the meat; if there is no pink left in the centre, then you know your pork belly is good to go. Once cooked through properly, let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so that all those delicious juices have time to settle back into their rightful place within each succulent slice of meat.

FAQs in Relation to How to Cook Pork Belly on a Charcoal Bbq

How long does it take to barbecue pork belly?

Barbecuing pork belly can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the cut and desired doneness. Generally speaking, a 2-3 pound slab of pork belly should be cooked for approximately 2 hours over indirect heat at 225°F. To ensure even cooking, flip the meat every 30 minutes or so and baste it with your favourite barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Once finished, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy.

How do you cook pork belly on a Weber charcoal grill?

Start by preparing the pork belly. Remove any excess fat and score the skin with a sharp knife. Rub it with your favourite seasoning or marinade, then let it sit for at least an hour before cooking.

Next, light your charcoal grill and wait until the coals are glowing red and covered in ash. Place the pork belly on the grill directly over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F), remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy.

What is the best way to cook pork belly on the BBQ?

Pork belly is a delicious cut of meat that can be cooked on the BBQ to perfection. To get the best results, start by scoring the skin with a sharp knife and rubbing it generously with salt. Then place it on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, flipping every few minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 30 minutes or until tender. Finally, brush with your favourite BBQ sauce and serve hot. Enjoy.

Conclusion

Cooking pork belly on a charcoal bbq is an art form that requires patience and practice. With the right preparation, lighting of the charcoal BBQ, and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious crispy pork belly that will be sure to impress your guests. So don’t be afraid to get out there and cook some pork belly on a charcoal bbq – it’s worth every minute.