There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a succulent, juicy, and smoky piece of Pork Belly. That’s why I’m excited to share with you these Cherry Chipotle Pork Belly Burnt Ends from #TeamLRF Chef and Pitmaster, Aaron Riley, of Bearded Skull BBQ. What makes this recipe stand out, you ask? Well, let’s just say it’s a symphony of flavors – from the sweet and spicy cherry chipotle sauce to the layers of flavors added with the rub and the sweet smokiness of cherry wood.


Now, before we dive into the recipe, let me just warn you – this isn’t your ordinary pork belly recipe. We’re going to take it up a notch with burnt ends, and trust me, your mouth will thank you. But first, let’s start with the basics.
You’ll need to create a flavor layer of smoke and create your bark – but don’t overdo it! Keep an eye on the color of the pork belly and aim for a rich mahogany hue. Next, we’ll braise the pork belly, rendering the fat and tenderizing the meat while adding a layer of sweetness with our braising liquid. And, of course, we can’t forget the sauces! But don’t worry, they’re easy to whip up.
The end result? A juicy, tender, smokey, sweet, and sticky piece of Pork Belly that’ll have you craving for more. So what are you waiting for? Get your pits ready and let’s fire up the grill for some seriously mouth-watering goodness!
KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE
Pork belly – A fatty cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking, the perfect canvas for our flavors to shine.
Goat cheese – The tangy and creamy goat cheese adds a subtle contrast to the rich and smoky flavor of the pork belly, making each bite more exciting.
Ruby port wine – The sweetness of the ruby port wine complements the spiciness of the cherry chipotle sauce, adding a deep and complex flavor that lingers on your taste buds.
Mint – A refreshing herb that provides a cool balance to the smoky and spicy flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish and leaving a refreshing aftertaste that’ll keep you wanting more.






WHAT SIDE DISHES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE CHERRY CHIPOTLE PORK BELLY BURNT ENDS?
Grilled corn on the cob with lime and cotija cheese – This side dish is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. All of this, makes it the perfect complement to the rich and smoky pork belly.
Smoked Mac and Cheese – Smoked mac and cheese is unbeatable with its creamy, cheesy goodness. This classic side dish is the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the pork belly.
Smoky baked beans with bacon – You can never go wrong with a classic side dish. These smoky baked beans with bacon are the perfect way to round out your meal.
TOP 5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHERRY CHIPOTLE PORK BELLY BURNT ENDS
What is pork belly and where do I buy it? Pork belly is a cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig and can be found at your local butcher shop or grocery store.
What is a burnt end? A burnt end is the flavorful, caramelized outer edges of slow-cooked meat, in this case, pork belly.
What is cherry chipotle sauce and how do I make it? Cherry chipotle sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce made with cherry preserves and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Check out the recipe below for a delicious homemade version.
Can I cook pork belly burnt ends in the oven? While they won’t have the same smoky flavor as when cooked on the grill, pork belly burnt ends can be cooked in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours.
How do I know when the pork belly burnt ends are done? The pork belly burnt ends are done when they reach an internal temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit and have a nice caramelized bark on the outside.
BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR CHERRY CHIPOTLE PORK BELLY BURNT ENDS
Craft Beer Pairings:
- IPA – The hoppy and bitter flavors of an IPA will perfectly balance the cherry chipotle sauce. Try a citrusy IPA, like Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin, to really enhance the flavors.
- Brown Ale – The nutty and caramel flavors of a brown ale will complement the smoky and rich flavors of the pork belly. Plus, the smooth and malty finish will balance out the spice in the sauce.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Old Fashioned – The sweetness of the cherry and the smokiness of the whiskey will perfectly complement the pork belly. Plus, the bitters will cut through the richness of the meat.
- Margarita – The bright and tangy flavors of a margarita will contrast with the smokiness of the pork belly. Plus, the tequila will help cut through the richness of the meat.
Wine Pairings:
- Zinfandel – The bold and fruity flavors of a Zinfandel will hold up to the sweet and spicy flavors of the cherry chipotle sauce.
- Pinot Noir – The earthy and fruity notes of a Pinot Noir will perfectly balance the richness of the pork belly. Plus, the light body of the wine won’t overwhelm the dish.
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This Post Has 3 Comments
We’ve made these cherry-chipotle burnt ends now THREE times at home. Taste testing them once just wasn’t enough. And, to say the least, I’m lucky if I get scraps after the kids dive into them. Awesome work on this recipe, Aaron!! -David
Love Brunt Ends To Death, Anything can go with these.
simply amazing