Introduction: What are Pork Burnt Ends?
Pork burnt ends are a popular barbecue dish that originated in Kansas City. They are made from the fatty ends of a pork shoulder or pork belly, which are smoked and then cubed and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The result is a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth dish that is perfect for any barbecue or party.
While pork burnt ends are traditionally made on a smoker, it is possible to make them in the oven as well. By following a few simple steps, you can create delicious and tender burnt ends that are sure to impress your guests.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut of Pork
The first step to making pork burnt ends in the oven is to choose the right cut of pork. You can use either a pork shoulder or a pork belly, but make sure that it is a fatty cut. The fat will help to keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process.
Step 2: Trim the Excess Fat
Once you have chosen your pork, it is important to trim any excess fat from the meat. While you want some fat to keep the meat moist, too much fat can make the dish greasy and unappetizing. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any large pieces of fat, leaving just a thin layer on the outside of the meat.
Step 3: Season the Pork
Next, it’s time to season the pork. You can use any rub or seasoning blend that you like, but a classic barbecue rub will work well. Rub the seasoning all over the pork, making sure to get it into all of the crevices and folds of the meat.
Step 4: Smoke the Pork
The next step is to smoke the pork. If you have a smoker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to smoke the pork until it is cooked through and tender. If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a wood pellet grill or a charcoal grill with a smoke box. Alternatively, you can skip the smoking step and simply bake the pork in the oven.
Step 5: Cube the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, it’s time to cube it. Use a sharp knife to cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Make sure that each piece has a good balance of meat and fat.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Seasoning
The next step is to add the sauce and seasoning. You can use any barbecue sauce that you like, but a sweet and tangy sauce works well with pork burnt ends. Toss the cubed pork in the sauce, making sure that each piece is coated evenly.
Step 7: Place the Pork in a Baking Dish
Once the pork is coated in sauce, place it in a baking dish. Make sure that the pork is spread out evenly and not crowded in the dish.
Step 8: Bake the Pork
Preheat your oven to 275°F. Once it is heated, place the baking dish with the pork in the oven. Bake for 1-2 hours, or until the pork is caramelized and tender.
Step 9: Add More Sauce
After the pork has baked for an hour, remove it from the oven and add more sauce. Toss the pork in the sauce, making sure that each piece is coated.
Step 10: Bake Again
Place the pork back in the oven and bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the sauce has caramelized and the pork is tender.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the pork burnt ends with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or baked beans, and enjoy!
