You’ve seen them at Costco—thick, meaty strips labeled “Pork Belly Slices”—and you’ve probably wondered: is this bacon? And how do I cook it? While these slices may look like extra-thick bacon, they’re uncured and unsmoked, which means you’ve got a blank canvas for bold BBQ flavors. This simple method transforms those raw pork belly strips into sticky, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth bites of BBQ gold.
Sliced Pork Belly
Pork belly is what bacon dreams are made of—but without the cure. When cooked right, sliced pork belly delivers everything you love about BBQ: crispy edges, juicy fat, rich pork flavor, and sticky caramelized sauce.
You’ll find this cut at Costco, but it’s also available at butcher shops or grocery stores. If you buy a whole belly, just slice it into thick 1.5” strips and you’re good to go.
How to Make Sliced Pork Belly Like You Get From Costco
Preparation
Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Lay the pork belly strips out on a baking sheet and coat them lightly with grilling oil to help the seasoning stick. Generously season all sides with Meat Church Holy Gospel rub. Let the strips sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to let the rub set into the meat.
Smoking the Pork Belly
Transfer the strips directly onto the smoker grates and let them cook at 250°F for 2 hours. After that, flip each strip over to even out the cook and continue smoking for 1 more hour.
Cubing and Braising
After 3 hours, remove the pork belly from the smoker and slice into ¾-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a foil tray, pour in ¼ cup of butter-flavored grilling oil, and cover tightly with foil. Return to the smoker and braise for 2 hours to get that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Getting Saucy
Once the pork is tender, drain off excess oil from the pan and stir in ½ bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix well, then return the uncovered tray to the smoker for 30 minutes to set the sauce.
Serving
Let the pork belly bites rest for about 5 minutes, then dive in. Serve as-is, over rice, in tacos, or on sliders for a next-level BBQ experience.
Best Beer To Pair With Sliced Pork Belly
Brown Ale
The roasted malt character pairs beautifully with the smoky richness of pork belly, adding nutty depth without overpowering the sweetness of the glaze.
Hazy IPA
The citrus and pine notes from the hops help cut through the fat while giving each bite a bright, zippy contrast.
German Pilsner
Clean and crisp, this classic lager balances the bold flavors with a refreshing finish—ideal for heavier BBQ dishes like pork belly.
Sliced Pork Belly Like You Get From Costco in 10 Simple Steps
Equipment
- Competition Blend Wood Pellets
- Foil Trays
- Pit Boss PB 1000 Grill
- Yonedas Okami Chef Knife
- You Need a BBQ Cutting Board
- Sturdy Roll of Tin Foil
Ingredients
- 1 each Sliced Pork Belly
- ¼ cup Meat Church Holy Gospel Rub
- ¼ cup Butcher BBQ Butter Flavour Grilling Oil
- ½ bottle Yonedas Chicken and Rib BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 250°F
- Lightly coat pork belly with grilling oil and season with Holy Gospel Rub
- Smoke for 2 hours
- Flip and smoke for 1 more hour
- Slice into ¾” cubes and place in foil tray with butter-flavored oil
- Cover and braise on smoker for 2 hours
- Drain fat and add ½ bottle of BBQ sauce
- Return to smoker uncovered for 30 minutes
- Rest for 5 minutes and serve hot
Sliced Pork Belly Like You Get From Costco FAQs
What’s the difference between bacon and pork belly?
Bacon is pork belly that’s been cured and often smoked. The slices from Costco are uncured pork belly—basically the raw version of what becomes bacon.
Can I make this recipe with whole pork belly?
Absolutely. Just slice the whole belly into 1.5” thick strips before seasoning and smoking, then follow the rest of the steps as written.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients listed are gluten-free, including the rub and sauce—just be sure to avoid cross-contamination if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
Can I make this pork belly Keto-friendly?
For sure. Swap the Meat Church rub for a sugar-free rub like Fire & Smoke Society’s The Usual, and use a no-sugar BBQ sauce to stay low-carb.
Can pork belly be cooked faster?
Yes, but it won’t be the same. You can pan-fry thin slices like bacon for a quick fix, but you’ll miss out on the tenderness and deep flavor that comes from low and slow BBQ.