Description
Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will tantalize your taste buds! Introducing the captivating Whiskey Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Belly – a mouthwatering dish that combines the richness of pork belly with the irresistible sweet and smoky notes of brown sugar and barbecue sauce, all enhanced by the subtle complexity of whiskey.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork belly
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Score the pork belly skin with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern. This will help the skin render and become delightfully crispy. Season the pork belly generously with salt and pepper, making sure to rub the seasoning all over the meat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the whiskey, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce until well combined. This flavorful marinade is the secret to the dish’s irresistible taste.
3. Place the seasoned pork belly in a roasting pan and pour the whiskey brown sugar BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
4. After the initial 2 hours of roasting, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Continue to roast the pork belly for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and caramelized.
5. Once the pork belly is perfectly cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a mouthwatering and succulent result.
Notes
Scoring the pork belly skin in a crisscross pattern is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispiness. Be sure to cut through the skin and into the fat, but not too deep into the meat.
Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences. You can play with the ratio of brown sugar to BBQ sauce, or even experiment with different types of whiskey to find your perfect flavor profile.
When it comes to choosing the right whiskey, opt for a bottle that complements the rich and smoky notes of the pork belly and barbecue sauce. A bold, caramel-forward bourbon or a smooth, oak-aged Scotch whisky would both work beautifully.
Letting the pork belly rest before slicing is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy final dish. Don’t be tempted to slice into it right away – your patience will be rewarded!
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 150
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 25
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 100