What is Beefbelly?
Beefbelly is a rich, flavorful cut of meat that comes from the underside of the cow. It is heavily marbled with fat, making it perfect for slow cooking, smoking, and grilling. While pork belly has long been a favorite for bacon and BBQ lovers, beefbelly brings a unique, beefy twist to the classic flavors we love.
Often overlooked in traditional butcher shops, beefbelly has become a hidden gem among BBQ enthusiasts and pitmasters. Its fat-to-meat ratio allows for incredibly tender, juicy results when cooked correctly. Whether you’re smoking it low and slow or crisping it up in a cast-iron pan, beefbelly delivers a deep, robust flavor that stands out in any dish.
Why BBQ Lovers Are Obsessed with Beefbelly
BBQ lovers are always searching for cuts that enhance smoky, savory flavors, and beefbelly checks all the boxes. Its high-fat content allows it to stay moist through long cook times, helping absorb seasonings and smoke effortlessly.
Unmatched Juiciness and Flavor
The key to a great BBQ cut is how well it retains moisture and flavor. Beefbelly’s intramuscular fat melts during cooking, basting the meat from the inside and creating a buttery texture with an intense beefy taste.
Perfect for Slow Cooking
Low-and-slow cooking methods like smoking or braising break down beefbelly’s connective tissues and render its fat beautifully. This results in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with a crispy, caramelized crust.
Versatile Cooking Options
While beefbelly is incredible when smoked, it can also be used for making homemade beef bacon, tacos, stews, or even ground for extra-rich burgers. It’s a cut that allows for culinary creativity.
How to Cook Beefbelly Like a Pro
Cooking beefbelly requires patience, but with the right techniques, you can achieve BBQ perfection. Here are the best ways to prepare this cut.
Smoking Beefbelly
Smoking is the most popular way to cook beefbelly because it allows the fat to slowly render, infusing the meat with smoky goodness.
Prep the beefbelly by trimming excess fat and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and preferred spices. Smoke at 225°F for 6-8 hours, using wood like hickory, mesquite, or oak for maximum flavor. Wrap in butcher paper or foil around the 5-hour mark to retain moisture. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Braising for Ultimate Tenderness
If you prefer a fall-apart texture, braising is a fantastic method. The slow-cooked beefbelly in liquid ensures incredible tenderness.
Brown the beefbelly in a Dutch oven for a rich, caramelized crust. Add beef broth, onions, garlic, and herbs, then cover and cook at 300°F for 4-5 hours. Shred or slice for tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.
Grilling for a Crispy Finish
For those who love crispy textures, grilling thin slices of beefbelly creates a smoky char and a satisfying crunch.
Slice the beefbelly into thin strips or cubes. Marinate it overnight with your favorite BBQ seasoning. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
Where to Buy High-Quality Beefbelly
Not all beefbelly is created equal, so sourcing from a trusted provider ensures the best quality. If you’re looking for locally raised, farm-fresh beefbelly, Wilson Farm Meats in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is the place to go.
Why Choose Wilson Farm Meats?
Wilson Farm Meats is a family-owned business with over 150 years of farming heritage. They specialize in providing high-quality, locally raised beef, ensuring exceptional freshness and flavor. Their beefbelly is carefully sourced and expertly cut to meet the needs of BBQ enthusiasts.
Custom Cuts and Specialty Products
At Wilson Farm Meats, customers can request custom cuts to match their preferred cooking methods. They also offer various specialty products like smoked meats, sausages, and heritage-breed pork, all processed in their Elkhorn facility.
Convenient Location and Hours
Visit Wilson Farm Meats at 406 S. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121. They are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You can also explore their selection online at WilsonFarmMeats.com.
Incorporating Beefbelly Into Your Menu
While BBQ is the most common way to prepare beefbelly, it can also be used in various dishes that highlight its rich taste and texture.
Homemade Beef Bacon
Beefbelly is an excellent alternative to pork belly for making beef bacon. It can be cured, smoked, and sliced for a meaty, smoky treat perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
Beefbelly Tacos
Slow-cooked, shredded beefbelly makes a fantastic filling for tacos. Pair it with fresh salsa, guacamole, and a touch of lime for a mouthwatering bite.
Beefbelly Burnt Ends
For BBQ lovers, burnt ends are a true delicacy. Cubed beefbelly, smoked and caramelized with BBQ sauce, creates sweet, smoky bites of perfection.
Beefbelly in Asian Cuisine
Many Asian dishes incorporate fatty cuts of beef for their luxurious texture. Beefbelly can be braised in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a rich umami flavor, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Beefbelly in Gourmet Burgers
If you love juicy burgers, grinding beefbelly into your beef mix will elevate the flavor. The extra fat content creates incredibly rich and tender patties, perfect for grilling.
Final Thoughts: Why Beefbelly is a Must-Try
If you’re a BBQ enthusiast looking to expand your culinary horizons, beefbelly is a cut worth trying. Its rich marbling, intense flavor, and versatility make it a standout choice for slow-smoked perfection, crispy grilling, or savory braised dishes.
Wilson Farm Meats is your go-to source for high-quality, locally raised beefbelly. Visit their Elkhorn store or check out their website to experience fresh, farm-to-table meats that elevate every meal. Whether you’re a backyard griller or a competition pitmaster, beefbelly is a game-changer for your BBQ experience.
