British BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce (Classic Pork Belly dish caramelized with homemade British Apple Sauce)
Indulge in the comforting flavors of British cuisine with our BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce recipe. Pork belly is marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce, then slow-cooked until tender and caramelized, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Served with a side of homemade apple sauce, this classic British dish is sure to become a favorite at your next barbecue or gathering.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 2.5-3 hours
Number of Servings
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the BBQ Pork Belly:
- 2 pounds pork belly, skin-on
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Apple Sauce:
- 4 apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat grill or smoker to 250°F (120°C) for indirect cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade for the pork belly.
- Place the pork belly in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork belly, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- In the meantime, prepare the apple sauce. In a saucepan, combine chopped apples, water, lemon juice, brown sugar (if using), and ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
- Once the apples are cooked, use a potato masher or fork to mash them into a chunky sauce consistency. Adjust sweetness and seasoning to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the marinated pork belly from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Place the pork belly, skin-side up, on the grill or smoker over indirect heat. Close the lid and let cook for 2.5-3 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the pork belly with any remaining marinade or additional BBQ sauce for added flavor and caramelization.
- Once the pork belly is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill or smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve British BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce hot, sliced into thick portions and accompanied by a generous dollop of homemade apple sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (1/2 pound of pork belly with apple sauce)
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 25g
Historical And Cultural Significance
BBQ pork belly with apple sauce is a classic British dish that combines tender and flavorful pork with the sweet and tangy flavors of homemade apple sauce. This dish is enjoyed at summer barbecues, family gatherings, and traditional Sunday roasts across the United Kingdom.
Sample other Pork recipes from across the world here
Special Tips for Preparation or Serving
- Serve British BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce alongside traditional British sides such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding for a complete and satisfying meal.
- A pint of British ale or cider pairs perfectly with BBQ pork belly, enhancing the rich flavors of the meat and complementing the sweetness of the apple sauce.
- For crispy crackling on the pork belly, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking or finish under the broiler for a few minutes.
- Can’t find pork belly? You can use pork shoulder or pork loin as a substitute, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the pork belly and prepare the apple sauce in advance. Simply grill the pork belly just before serving for the best results.
Download the printable recipe below
British BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce
Pork belly is marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce, then slow-cooked until tender and caramelized, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Served
Ingredients
For the BBQ Pork Belly:
2 pounds pork belly, skin-on
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Apple Sauce:
4 apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat grill or smoker to 250°F (120°C) for indirect cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade for the pork belly.
- Place the pork belly in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork belly, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- In the meantime, prepare the apple sauce. In a saucepan, combine chopped apples, water, lemon juice, brown sugar (if using), and ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
- Once the apples are cooked, use a potato masher or fork to mash them into a chunky sauce consistency. Adjust sweetness and seasoning to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the marinated pork belly from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Place the pork belly, skin-side up, on the grill or smoker over indirect heat. Close the lid and let cook for 2.5-3 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the pork belly with any remaining marinade or additional BBQ sauce for added flavor and caramelization.
- Once the pork belly is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill or smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- 10.tServe British BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce hot, sliced into thick portions and accompanied by a generous dollop of homemade apple sauce on the side.
Notes
- Special Tips for Preparation or Serving
+ Serve British BBQ Pork Belly with Apple Sauce alongside traditional British sides such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding for a complete and satisfying meal.
+ A pint of British ale or cider pairs perfectly with BBQ pork belly, enhancing the rich flavors of the meat and complementing the sweetness of the apple sauce.
+ For crispy crackling on the pork belly, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking or finish under the broiler for a few minutes. - Can't find pork belly? You can use pork shoulder or pork loin as a substitute, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the pork belly and prepare the apple sauce in advance. Simply grill the pork belly just before serving for the best results.
