Prepare for a flavor explosion! These Smoked Sweet Thai Chili Pork Belly Bites are the perfect appetizer or party snack, offering a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is expertly seasoned and slow-smoked to perfection, then tossed in a vibrant homemade sweet chili sauce. The contrast of textures—crispy skin against succulent meat—combined with the addictive sauce creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Forget store-bought appetizers; these bites are far superior and surprisingly easy to make.
Imagine the compliments rolling in as your guests devour these irresistible morsels. From the smoky aroma to the final satisfying bite, every element is designed to impress. Ready to create these culinary masterpieces? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step recipe below!
Tools Needed
- Smoker
- Wire rack
- Tin foil tray/pan
- Oven (optional)
Ingredients
- Pork belly (skinless)
- Southshore Sea Salts chili lime sea salt seasoning
- Apple cider vinegar
- Apple juice or orange juice
- Water
- Beer (optional)
- Nerple Sauce Co. Castle Bravo (Sweet Thai Chili sauce)
- Mr. Noodles
- Veggies (bell peppers, shredded carrots, red onion, garlic)
- Garlic oil chili garlic seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Smoke the Pork Belly
- Season the pork belly cubes generously with Southshore Sea Salts chili lime sea salt seasoning. Ensure it's fully coated.
- Place the seasoned pork belly on a wire rack for easier handling in the smoker.
- Smoke the pork belly at 250-300°F (121-149°C). At around the 1-hour mark, spritz with apple cider vinegar or your preferred liquid (apple juice, orange juice, water, or beer).
- Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 2. Glaze and Finish the Pork Belly
- Transfer the pork belly to a tin foil pan. Coat generously with Nerple Sauce Co. Castle Bravo sweet Thai chili sauce.
- Wrap the pan in tin foil and return to the smoker (or oven) for 45 minutes.
- Remove the tin foil and return to the smoker for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Step 3. Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables
- Fry up Mr. Noodles and add your favorite vegetables. Season with garlic oil chili garlic seasoning.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the smoked pork belly bites over the noodles and vegetables.
Read more: Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad (Yum Makua Yow): A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Using a wire rack makes it much easier to handle the pork belly in the smoker.
- Be patient and don't rush the low and slow cooking process. Rushing can ruin the texture and flavor.
- Tin foil pans are great for retaining moisture and preventing the sauce from burning.
- You can use an oven instead of the smoker for the final stages if you prefer to save pellets.
- The garlic oil chili garlic seasoning cuts through the richness of the pork belly, making for a balanced flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make these pork belly bites without a smoker?
Yes! You can achieve a similar smoky flavor by using liquid smoke in your marinade or by pan-searing the pork belly until crispy and then tossing it in the sweet chili sauce.
2. How long do the leftovers keep?
Store leftover pork belly bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
These Smoked Sweet Thai Chili Pork Belly Bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a unique and delicious flavor combination that's both sophisticated and easy to achieve. From appetizer to main event, these bites are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. So fire up your smoker (or stovetop!) and get ready to enjoy the sweet, smoky, and spicy perfection!