There’s nothing quite like the unexpected delight of bite-sized Pork Belly Lollipops that can elevate any gathering from ordinary to unforgettable. Picture this: you’re outside, the sun is shining, and the tantalizing aroma of smoky, sweet barbecue wafts through the air, pulling friends and family together like moths to a flame. This recipe sprang to life during an impromptu backyard party where I needed a show-stopping dish that would satisfy everyone’s cravings for something delicious and unique.
With just the right balance of juicy pork, a tangy glaze, and a kiss of hickory smoke, these lollipops are incredibly easy to craft, yet they manage to impress every palate they meet. Whether you’re mastering the grilling arts or simply searching for a flavorful way to spice up your weekends, these Pork Belly Lollipops are a mouthwatering solution. Grab your skewers and get ready to serve up the flavor!
Why Love These Pork Belly Lollipops?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite of these lollipops is a blend of smoky, savory, and sweet goodness that will delight your taste buds.
Simply Stunning: The preparation is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it ideal for any home chef.
Ultimate Crowd-Pleaer: These skewers are perfect for gatherings, sure to be a hit at your next BBQ party or family get-together.
Versatile Base: Customize the glaze and spices to suit your cravings, whether you prefer sweet or spicy flavors.
Perfectly Smoky: Achieving the perfect BBQ taste with a variety of wood options creates a unique and delicious experience every time.
Make sure to check out my favorite grilling tips to perfect your technique!
Pork Belly Lollipops Ingredients
For the Skewers
• Kurobuta pork belly – a tender cut perfect for juicy, flavorful lollipops.
• 1 orange – adds a fresh citrusy note to the glaze and complements the richness of the pork.
For the Seasoning
• Santa Maria style spice blend – enhances the pork with a delightful blend of spices for a flavorful crust.
• Pineapple papaya BBQ sauce – brings an irresistible sweetness that caramelizes beautifully while smoking.
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter – enriches the glaze, making it luscious and velvety.
For the Smoking
• Hickory wood pieces – provide a bold, classic BBQ flavor.
• Apple wood shavings – deliver a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the rich pork.
• Cherry wood pieces – add a hint of fruitiness while imparting a gorgeous color to the skewers.
• Plum cabernet wood pellets – offer a unique flavor twist that pairs beautifully with the pork.
• Almond cabernet wood pellets – introduce a nutty undertone that complements the dish.
• 100% almond wood pellets – enhance the smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Bourbon-infused wood shavings – impart a touch of sweetness and complexity to the smoking process.
With these Pork Belly Lollipops Ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that will wow your guests and elevate any gathering!
How to Make Pork Belly Lollipops
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Prepare the Pork: Start by cutting the Kurobuta pork belly into 2-inch by 4-inch rectangular slices. Insert a 6-inch bamboo skewer into each piece for easy handling and fun presentation.
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Coat with Sauce: Generously coat all sides of the pork belly pieces with the Pineapple Papaya BBQ Sauce. Sprinkle the Santa Maria Style Seasoning over them to create a delicious flavor base.
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Preheat the Smoker: Fire up your smoker and preheat it to 260°F. Choose the type of wood you want to infuse your lollipops with a delightful smoky flavor.
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Smoke the Skewers: Carefully place the seasoned pork belly skewers on the smoker grate. Let them smoke for about 2 hours, absorbing that wonderful smoky goodness.
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Make the Glaze: In a grill-safe saucepan, combine 1/2 cup Pineapple Papaya BBQ Sauce, 1 teaspoon Santa Maria seasoning, the juice of the orange, and 1/2 stick of butter. Stir until well mixed to create a luscious glaze.
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Glaze While Smoking: Allow the glaze to smoke on the side with the pork for the full duration. This will deepen its flavor, making it irresistible.
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Baste the Skewers: After 1 hour of smoking, begin basting the pork skewers with the glaze every 15-20 minutes for a deliciously sticky finish.
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Increase Temperature: Once the smoking time is up, raise the grill or smoker temperature to 325°F. Cook the pork belly skewers for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 200°F.
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Serve Hot: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow to cool slightly before serving them hot, showcasing the juicy, flavorful lollipops.
Optional: Serve with extra Pineapple Papaya BBQ sauce for dipping.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pork Belly Lollipops Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these lollipop variations that add unique flavors and twists to your dish!
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for a delightful, fiery taste that will wake up your taste buds.
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Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze. The fragrant oils will elevate the glaze and provide an aromatic experience while smoking.
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Smoky Chipotle: Incorporate chipotle in adobo sauce into your BBQ sauce for a richer, sweeter, and smoky flavor that turns up the heat!
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Sweet Maple Glaze: Swap the BBQ sauce for pure maple syrup mixed with a pinch of salt. This sweet substitution offers a beautiful caramelization during smoking.
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Asian Twist: Use hoisin sauce instead of BBQ sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds after glazing. This addition brings an exciting umami flair to your pork.
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Citrus Upgrade: Experiment with different citrus fruits, like lime or grapefruit, in the glaze for a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness of the pork.
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Fruit-Infused: Add pureed mango or peach to the glaze for an exotic fruity flavor that complements the savory pork perfectly, giving a burst of tropical sunshine.
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Nutty Crunch: Top the lollipops with crushed peanuts after glazing for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork.
Embrace these variations to truly make these Pork Belly Lollipops your own, creating the perfect centerpiece for any gathering!
Storage Tips for Pork Belly Lollipops
Refrigerator: Store any leftover Pork Belly Lollipops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their juicy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the Pork Belly Lollipops in the refrigerator overnight. Use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Serving Suggestions: For best results, serve reheated lollipops with fresh Pineapple Papaya BBQ sauce to keep the flavor vibrant and tangy.
Make Ahead Options
These Pork Belly Lollipops are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time on busy days! You can prepare the pork belly by cutting it into 2-inch by 4-inch slices and assembling the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Coat them with the Pineapple Papaya BBQ Sauce and season with the Santa Maria style spice blend. To maintain their quality, wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to smoke them. When it’s time to cook, simply preheat your smoker, place the skewers on the grate, and follow the remaining steps as usual for equally delicious results that will impress your guests!
What to Serve with Pork Belly Lollipops?
These juicy lollipops offer a smoky, sweet treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and flavors for an unforgettable meal.
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Crispy Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and a zesty contrast to the rich, smoky pork, balancing every bite perfectly.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn is a classic barbecue favorite that enhances the outdoor grilling vibe, bringing a touch of summer to your plate.
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Marinated Cucumber Salad: The light, refreshing nature of this salad cuts through the richness of the pork and adds a colorful, vibrant touch to your table.
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Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy potato salad complements the lollipops’ bold flavors, creating a delicious contrast that everyone will love.
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Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans harmonize with the smoky pork, adding a warm, hearty element to your meal that invites second helpings.
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Craft Beer: A cold craft beer is the perfect companion, as its hops enhance the flavors of the smoked pork and cleanse the palate between bites.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with these classic cookies, a comforting dessert that ties together the smoky and savory elements of the BBQ feast.
With these delightful pairings, your Pork Belly Lollipops are sure to shine at any gathering!
Expert Tips for Pork Belly Lollipops
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Choose Quality Pork: Use high-quality Kurobuta pork belly for the best flavor and tenderness, ensuring your lollipops are truly irresistible.
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Wood Selection Matters: Experiment with different wood types to find your ideal smoky flavor; hickory gives a bold taste, while apple adds a subtle sweetness.
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Basting Technique: Don’t skip regular basting during smoking to prevent dryness; this enhances the glaze and locks in moisture for juicy pork belly lollipops.
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Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 200°F for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
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Glaze Consistency: Make sure your glaze is well-mixed and not too watery so it clings beautifully to the skewers, adding that sticky, sweet finish.
Pork Belly Lollipops Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting the orange for your glaze, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, shiny skin. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes. For the Kurobuta pork belly, make sure it has a good balance of meat and fat—perfect marbling indicates a juicy final product.
How should I store leftover Pork Belly Lollipops?
After enjoying those delicious lollipops, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to keep them juicy.
Can I freeze Pork Belly Lollipops?
Very! To freeze, wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap, ensuring it’s airtight, and then place them all in a heavy-duty freezer bag or wrap them in aluminum foil for extra protection. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months, preserving their flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I do if my pork belly isn’t cooking evenly?
It’s common for the heat to vary depending on the smoker’s setup. To troubleshoot, try rotating the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure they get an even amount of heat and smoke. Also, using a good meat thermometer will help you check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for this recipe?
Yes, definitely! If you have guests with dietary restrictions, inform them about the pork and the sauce used in this recipe. As for allergies, the Pineapple Papaya BBQ sauce may contain allergens such as gluten or nuts; always check the label. Additionally, it’s best to keep these lollipops away from pets, as pork and certain spices aren’t suitable for them.
What if I want to make a different glaze for my Pork Belly Lollipops?
Absolutely! Experimenting with glazes is half the fun! You can substitute the Pineapple Papaya BBQ sauce with a homemade honey mustard sauce or a spicy sriracha glaze. Just mix your chosen ingredients and follow the same steps to baste the skewers while smoking. Enjoy the delightful freedom of tweaking flavors to suit your taste!
Savory Pork Belly Lollipops Perfect for Your Next BBQ Party
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting the Kurobuta pork belly into 2-inch by 4-inch rectangular slices. Insert a 6-inch bamboo skewer into each piece.
- Generously coat all sides of the pork belly pieces with the Pineapple Papaya BBQ Sauce. Sprinkle the Santa Maria Style Seasoning over them.
- Fire up your smoker and preheat it to 260°F. Choose the type of wood for smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork belly skewers on the smoker grate and let them smoke for about 2 hours.
- In a grill-safe saucepan, combine 1/2 cup Pineapple Papaya BBQ Sauce, 1 teaspoon Santa Maria seasoning, the juice of the orange, and 1/2 stick of butter. Stir until well mixed.
- Allow the glaze to smoke on the side with the pork during the full smoking duration.
- After 1 hour of smoking, baste the pork skewers with the glaze every 15-20 minutes.
- Once smoking time is up, raise the grill or smoker temperature to 325°F. Cook the pork belly skewers for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and allow to cool slightly before serving hot.