How to Make Mouthwatering Pork Burnt Ends in Your Oven

Pork burnt ends are a smoky succulent treat that every barbecue lover should try. These cubes of caramelized, saucy pork are full of deep rich flavor. Typically smoked for hours on a grill or smoker, burnt ends do require some time and technique. However, you can easily achieve tender, meaty burnt ends right in your own oven with my foolproof method. Read on to learn how to make pork burnt ends in the oven so you can enjoy this BBQ delicacy any time.

What are Pork Burnt Ends?

For the uninitiated, pork burnt ends are made from pork shoulder or pork belly that is smoked or roasted low and slow until extremely tender. The pork is then cut into bite-sized cubes and tossed in a sweet and sticky barbecue glaze. These saucy little morsels of pork are then cooked further allowing the glaze to caramelize as the pork becomes incredibly succulent and takes on a deep rich smoky flavor. It’s a truly indulgent treat for any barbecue fanatic.

Benefits of Oven Burnt Ends

While traditionalists insist on smoked burnt ends, making them in the oven offers several advantages:

• Convenience – No need to tend a smoker or grill for hours. Just set and forget in the oven.

• Temperature control – Oven provides a steady, even heat ideal for low and slow cooking.

• Year-round option – Make burnt ends in the oven regardless of weather.

• Messs-free – Contained in the oven, unlike a smoker.

• Beginner-friendly – Oven method is foolproof. Great for new cooks.

While oven burnt ends may not have quite the depth of traditionally smoked, they still deliver on the succulent, sweet and spicy flavor you crave in a quick and easy preparation.

Step-by-Step Oven Burnt Ends

With just a few simple steps, you can make pork burnt ends worthy of any barbecue joint from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cubed
• Dry rub – brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, pepper
• Barbecue glaze/sauce – store bought or homemade
• Cooking spray or oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork: Cut pork shoulder or belly into 1-inch cubes. Trim excess fat.

2. Season the Pork: Generously coat pork cubes with dry rub on all sides. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. ** Roast the Pork:** Arrange pork on a wire rack lined baking sheet. Cook at 275°F for 2-3 hours until tender.

4. Toss with Sauce: Transfer roasted pork to bowl. Toss and coat with barbecue glaze.

5. Return to Oven: Place sauced pork back on baking sheet. Cook 30 mins more until caramelized.

6. Finish and Serve: Toss again and serve warm with more sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

FAQs About Oven Burnt Ends

If you’re new to making burnt ends, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the best cut of pork for burnt ends?
Choose a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder or pork belly for the most tender, flavorful burnt ends.

How long should I cook them in the oven?
Plan on roasting the raw pork for 2-3 hours at 275°F until fork tender. Then allow 30 minutes more to caramelize the glaze.

What oven temperature should I use?
275°F is ideal for low, slow roasting to break down connective tissue. Then increase temp to 400°F to set the glaze.

Do I need special equipment?
A wire rack in a baking sheet allows airflow for even cooking. Otherwise standard oven tools will work.

Can I prepare burnt ends in advance?
Yes, cook fully then cool and refrigerate. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warm before glazing and serving.

How do I serve burnt ends?
Offer as an appetizer or main dish. Pair with classic BBQ sides like cornbread, slaw, beans, potatoes, and pickles.

Tips for Amazing Oven Pork Burnt Ends

• Choose high-quality, fresh pork for the best flavor.

• Apply dry rub generously and let meat rest 1+ hours for seasoning to penetrate.

• Roast pork low and slow at 275°F to keep moist and tender.

• Cut pork into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.

• Use a sticky, honey or brown sugar-based sauce that will caramelize.

• Toss cubes in glaze multiple times to fully coat each piece.

• Broil for a few minutes at the end to finish setting the glaze.

The Takeaway on DIY Burnt Ends

Homemade pork burnt ends may require time and patience, but the insanely succulent and flavorful results are well worth it. By following my simple oven method, you can enjoy tender, saucy, melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends without ever having to light a smoker. Impress your family with your own BBQ skills by making pork burnt ends in the oven. Once you taste these finger-licking morsels of sweet, spicy, smoky pork, you’ll be hooked! Ditch the takeout and indulge in hot-off-the-oven burnt ends instead.