Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some recipes that are just so good, they feel like a celebration. This Whiskey Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Belly is one of them. It’s a genius mashup that combines tender, rich pork belly with a sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy BBQ sauce. The whiskey adds a complex, deep flavor, and the brown sugar creates a beautiful, caramelized crust that is simply irresistible. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that’s guaranteed to be a huge hit with everyone who tries it.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The pork belly itself is a dream—it’s incredibly rich and tender, and the long, slow bake allows the fat to render and the meat to become unbelievably soft. The whiskey brown sugar BBQ sauce is the real star of the show. It’s a simple blend of pantry staples that cooks down into a beautiful, sticky glaze that clings to every piece of pork. This recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy a craving for barbecue without having to fire up the grill, and it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork belly
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Belly: Pork belly is a rich, fatty cut of meat that is perfect for this recipe. You can also use a pork shoulder or a pork roast, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
- Whiskey: Use your favorite whiskey here. A bourbon or a rye whiskey would work well. The alcohol cooks off, leaving a beautiful, complex flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar is a must for that classic caramel glaze.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. A smoky, tangy sauce works great here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the whiskey, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the pork belly in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat all sides. Cover the dish with foil and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Bake the Pork Belly: Once marinated, bake the pork belly in the preheated oven for 1.5-2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Glaze and Crisp: Remove the foil and broil the pork belly for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top and caramelize the sauce. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Long Enough: Marinating the pork belly for at least 2 hours, or overnight, is a crucial step for infusing it with flavor.
- Score the Fat: For a crispier top, you can score the fat cap of the pork belly with a knife before marinating it.
- Watch the Broiler: The brown sugar glaze can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on it during the final broiling step.
- Rest the Pork: Letting the pork belly rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Whiskey Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Belly is a perfect main course. It pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The rich, savory flavors would also go great with other hearty, comforting meals like a classic Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or some easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this pork belly are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in a skillet or in a hot oven (350°F / 175°C) until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, savory, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- These Easy Turkey Wings are my favorite comfort food for lazy Sundays
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is my favorite quick dinner packed with Southern flavor
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is my favorite one-pan dinner that’s always a hit
Final Thoughts
This Whiskey Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Belly recipe is a perfect example of how a simple recipe can deliver a huge payoff in flavor. It’s a no-fuss dish that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite way to cook pork? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
Whiskey Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Belly: The Ultimate Savory Treat
Ingredients
- 4 cups whiskey
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 lbs pork belly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a bowl, combine whiskey, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the marinade.
- Place the pork belly in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with the marinade every 10 minutes, until the pork belly is caramelized and crispy on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy your savory treat!
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