Pork belly - help!!

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linesout

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 19, 2013
1
10
Hi all!

I am completely new to smoking meat - but I recently acquired two things: a simple Brinkmann electric smoker, and a meat share at a local butcher's. We got a little over a pound of pork belly in the box and were told to slow cook it, so I'd love to try the smoker and put some out for a housewarming cookout this Saturday.

I found this recipe and it looks good: http://www.bradleysmoker.com/recipes/smoked-pork-belly/

B
ut we're still totally clueless on how to make it happen. If anyone would like to take pity on me and answer my embarrassing questions, I would really really appreciate it.

1. The recipe doesn't mention brining - should I brine the meat before marinating? If so, what are the ratios of water to sugar/salt to weight of meat in general?

2. I know the woodchips need to be soaked beforehand - but how much generally needs to go in the smoker?

3. This line in the recipe: 
  1. Apply two hours of smoke and continue to cook for approximately 2-3 more hours.
    Iprefer pecan, but apple and maple also works well. If you want a stronger smoke flavor use hickory.
Does it mean that the meat is exposed to the smoke for 2 hours, and then I remove the smoking element and let it cook another 2-3 hours?

4. Can anything else go in the smoker while we're making it, like a brisket or something, or would the cooking processes be too different?

As you can see from my questions, I'm really starting at square one haha. But I can't wait to get the hang of it and make delicious meat on the regular!

Thanks,

Renee
 
Hi all!

I am completely new to smoking meat - but I recently acquired two things: a simple Brinkmann electric smoker, and a meat share at a local butcher's. We got a little over a pound of pork belly in the box and were told to slow cook it, so I'd love to try the smoker and put some out for a housewarming cookout this Saturday.

I found this recipe and it looks good: http://www.bradleysmoker.com/recipes/smoked-pork-belly/

B
ut we're still totally clueless on how to make it happen. If anyone would like to take pity on me and answer my embarrassing questions, I would really really appreciate it.

1. The recipe doesn't mention brining - should I brine the meat before marinating? If so, what are the ratios of water to sugar/salt to weight of meat in general?

You are correct.... the meat needs some salt and sugar......  I'd start with 2% salt and 1% sugar...  add it to the marinade.... weigh the meat and marinade and make the % from that number....

2. I know the woodchips need to be soaked beforehand - but how much generally needs to go in the smoker?

I don't soak chips.... it just delays the smoke....  add about 1/4 cup at one time.... about 20 min later add another 1/4 cup  repeat as long as necessary...

3. This line in the recipe: 
  1. Apply two hours of smoke and continue to cook for approximately 2-3 more hours.
    Iprefer pecan, but apple and maple also works well. If you want a stronger smoke flavor use hickory.
Does it mean that the meat is exposed to the smoke for 2 hours, and then I remove the smoking element and let it cook another 2-3 hours?

That is what it says..... for your first smoke, try those directions and taste if you like the amount of smoke....  adjust the time on the next smoke, if needed....  adjust flavor by changing types of wood..... 

4. Can anything else go in the smoker while we're making it, like a brisket or something, or would the cooking processes be too different?

As you can see from my questions, I'm really starting at square one haha. But I can't wait to get the hang of it and make delicious meat on the regular!

Thanks,

Renee
Renee, morning and welcome.....     Skin the belly first.... for a different twist, cut the belly into 1" x 1" hunks.... brine / marinate on skewers....    smoke what ever time you decide... cook to an internal temp of 160 ish....  Then you can crisp up a few on the grill for a different texture on a lower heat so the sugar won't burn....  (maybe)   This process won't taste like bacon due to no nitrite added, but it sounds like it will be good..... 

Please take a moment and stop into " [color= rgb(146, 144, 139)]/[/color][color= rgb(128, 0, 0)]Roll Call[/color][color= rgb(146, 144, 139)]/[/color]   " and introduce yourself and get a proper welcome from our members.... Also, if you would note your location in your profile, it will help in the future when answering questions about smokin'...   elevation, humidity etc....    

We're glad you stopped in and joined our group...    Enjoy the long smokey ride....     Dave
 
Hi all!

I am completely new to smoking meat - but I recently acquired two things: a simple Brinkmann electric smoker, and a meat share at a local butcher's. We got a little over a pound of pork belly in the box and were told to slow cook it, so I'd love to try the smoker and put some out for a housewarming cookout this Saturday.

I found this recipe and it looks good: http://www.bradleysmoker.com/recipes/smoked-pork-belly/


B

ut we're still totally clueless on how to make it happen. If anyone would like to take pity on me and answer my embarrassing questions, I would really really appreciate it.

1. The recipe doesn't mention brining - should I brine the meat before marinating? If so, what are the ratios of water to sugar/salt to weight of meat in general?
2. I know the woodchips need to be soaked beforehand - but how much generally needs to go in the smoker?
3. This line in the recipe: 
  1. Apply two hours of smoke and continue to cook for approximately 2-3 more hours.

    Iprefer pecan, but apple and maple also works well. If you want a stronger smoke flavor use hickory.
Does it mean that the meat is exposed to the smoke for 2 hours, and then I remove the smoking element and let it cook another 2-3 hours?



4. Can anything else go in the smoker while we're making it, like a brisket or something, or would the cooking processes be too different?





As you can see from my questions, I'm really starting at square one haha. But I can't wait to get the hang of it and make delicious meat on the regular!



Thanks,



Renee

Good morning and welcome to SMF!

I see it is your first post. If you could swing by role call and introduce yourself to receive a proper welcome. If you add your location it will help with some questions to give a more spacific answer.

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions. This site is here to help each other out. So ask away.....


Ok so now onto your yummy cut of deliciousness you have.

The recipe looks to be a good one. You do not need to brine with using it. Brining is not always needed with most things. It is a personal preference. Wet curing and dry curing are different then brining.

I do not think the amount of cook time is enough. When I have done my pork belly at work we go for 4-6hrs in smoke at 240 degrees. Belly really benefits from low and slow. It allows it to render out the fat. You want it to be tender. I test with a tooth pick by sticking it into the meat. If i gett little or no risistance, it is done. Just make sure to check several spots, the fat can give you a false reading. They gave you a temperature, in my opinion that is not correct.

I run smoke the entire time. Wood choice is up to you. I like oak and hickory.

I am a bit confussed with the wood chips and type of smoker. From what i can find i see Bradley Smokers take disks. Never used one so would say make sure to read instructions.

You gain nothing by soaking the wood chips. You can if you want to, but many of us never soak the wood. Just delays what you want it to do and creates more of a white smoke. What you want is a thin blue smoke.

Yes by all means you can cook other items with it as well. My mouth is watering thinking of a brisket the has been basted by the dripping from the pork belly. Just be careful of putting meats in at different times, you do not want to put raw meats over meats that have already been cooking. Can cause cross contamination, not a good thing.

Think I got everything.....
 
welcome1.gif
Renee

Looks like they have you covered.

Remember to post pics. or you will get this

.
th_What_NO_QVIEW.gif


Happy smoken.

David
 
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