Crispy and juicy apple marinated smoked pork belly coated in zesty lemon pepper seasoning.

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Pork Belly 

Look for a good quality piece of pork belly, preferably skin-on, as the crispy skin adds a wonderful texture. Approximately 2-3 pounds will yield a good amount for a family meal or appetizer.

Lemon

You’ll need fresh lemons for both the juice and zest. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the pork belly and brightens the flavors.

Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper is essential for a robust flavor. You can also experiment with white pepper or a blend of peppercorns for added complexity.

Apple Juice

This secret ingredient adds a touch of sweetness and helps to tenderize the pork belly. During the cooking process, it results in incredibly juicy and flavorful bites. Unsweetened apple juice is recommended to avoid overly sweetening the dish.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST LEMON PEPPER PORK BELLY BITES

Why is apple juice used in this recipe?

Apple juice plays a crucial role in several aspects of this lemon pepper pork belly bites recipe. First, its natural sweetness helps to balance the savory richness of the pork belly and the tartness of the lemon. Second, the acidity in the apple juice helps tenderize the meat. It breaks down some of the tougher fibers. This ensures a succulent bite. Finally, as the pork belly cooks, the apple juice caramelizes on the exterior. It creates a beautiful glaze and adds another layer of flavor.

Do you need to brine the pork belly for this recipe?

Brining the pork belly is not strictly necessary for tenderizing if cooked properly. However, it can significantly enhance the flavor and moisture retention of your bites. A simple brine, typically consisting of water, salt, sugar, and aromatics, can infuse the pork belly with additional seasoning. It also helps it retain its juiciness during the cooking process. This is particularly true if you’re aiming for a very crispy exterior. If you have the time, a brine is highly recommended for a more flavorful and tender result. I keep the “brine” simple for this recipe and just use apple juice.

Should I cold smoke or hot smoke the pork belly for this recipe?

For these Lemon Pepper Pork Belly Bites, hot smoking is the preferred method. Hot smoking cooks the pork belly and imparts a smoky flavor at the same time. This process results in tender, cooked meat. The meat has a delicious smoky essence.

Cold smoking, on the other hand, is used primarily for flavoring uncured meats. It also serves to preserve meats at lower temperatures. This technique would not fully cook the pork belly as required for this recipe. If you’re looking for that characteristic rendered fat and tender meat, hot smoking is the way to go.

Can you adapt this recipe to make bacon instead of bites?

This recipe focuses on creating delicious, bite-sized pieces of pork belly. However, the fundamental ingredients and techniques can certainly be adapted. They are adaptable if you’re interested in making your own bacon. The primary difference lies in the curing process.

Pork belly typically undergoes a longer curing process. A specific blend of salts and sometimes nitrites (for preservation and color) is used. Smoking follows this process to make bacon. This recipe, as written, is geared towards immediate consumption of cooked pork belly.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Smoker

Mixing Bowl

Measuring Spoon           

Cutting Board 

Chef Knife

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

Lemon Pepper Chicken Fried Chicken

LEMON PARMESAN FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

SMOKED ONION GRAVY + CLASSIC MASHED POTATOES

STRAWBERRY COLESLAW

CHEESY GRUYERE & SWISS ROASTED ASPARAGUS

RECIPE

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