Bacon is a standard topping on salads. But smoked pork belly takes the whole idea to another level. Try this simple recipe for smoked pork belly and put it on your favorite salad.
Fire up. Set up your smoker or grill for 2-zone cooking and get the indirect zone to about 325°F (162.8°C).
Cook. Discard the marinade. Roast or smoke the belly pieces with indirect heat at about 325°F (162.8°C) until the fat is soft and tender and it reaches about 160°F (71.1°C) (60 to 90 minutes). If you're using a grill, add a handful of smoking wood to the coals when put the meat on. I cook this pork belly at a higher temp than normal because there is so much fat and I want it soft, and you don't need to cook it as high as ribs or shoulder because there is little connective tissue. It's a good idea to put a drip pan under it if you don't have a good fat drainage system.
Serve. While the belly is cooking, assemble your favorite salad. Use mixed greens as a start, but have fun. Add boiled potato, green beans, hard boiled egg, whatever you love. Dress it with LT Italian, my wife's herbed Italian vinaigrette. Then drape the smoked pork belly over the top. If you have made cracklins, sprinkle those on the salad as well.
