Chances are you’ve never had a pork wing. Or, even heard of them. We are here to change that.
The smokey flavor of these incredible “wings” is off-the-charts delicious. It is actually part of the ham shank, and the slow cooking makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender. The homemade BBQ sauce takes them to a new level. Perfect for tailgating, an outdoor BBQ, or just a fun Sunday afternoon with the family. Unforgettably delicious!
How To Make Smoked Pork Wings
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The Ingredients You Will Need
As you would guess, these are all about the pork wings. Well, the rub and the BBQ sauce are important, too.
But, let’s talk about the “wings.” Pork wings are from the shank (lower leg) and the meat is dense and extremely flavorful. Once fully cooked, they have a similar texture as wings but are very tender.
You won’t find them at your local grocery store, or even your local meat market. But, they are easy to order. We always get them from Mangalitsa Estates. Mangalitsa pork is considered the best of the best. It’s popular in top-notch restaurants across the country.
Order yours today and get a special 15% discount on your entire order! Just use discount code: LOON15. Place your order here.
Once you have the ribs, all you need is:
Oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil.
Salt – Coarse Kosher is great, but table salt will work, too.
Pork rub – Homemade is what we recommend, but you can use your favorite rub. Pork rub is typically slightly sweeter, which is the perfect match for pork.
BBQ sauce – Again, homemade is easy and so good. But, you can use your favorite purchased variety, too.
EXPERT TIP: We highly recommend using homemade pork rub. Trust us, you’ll use it time and time again! Our version does not have salt, so we sprinkle salt on the pork wings before adding the rub. If using purchase rub, check the sodium content, you may not need to add more salt.
Tips for Making Perfect Smoked Pork Wings
Use a Flavorful Pork Rub
Ingredients – We highly recommend making the rub from scratch. However, if using purchased, seek out a rub that is specifically for pork. Also, keep an eye on salt content.
Application – Generously coat the pork wings with the rub and let them marinate for at least an hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Choose the Right Smoking Wood
Wood Selection – Use fruit woods like apple or cherry for a sweeter flavor, or hickory or pecan for a stronger smoke. We love pecan for our pork wings.
Temperature – Maintain a smoking temperature between 225°F to 250°F for even cooking and to allow the wings to absorb the smoke flavor. The overall cooking time will be about 3 to 3½ hours.
Monitor Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking Duration – Smoke the wings for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. You’ll continue smoking for about another 1½ hours.
Setting the Bark and Then Basting – After they’ve cooked in the foil for an additional hour, you’ll want the wings to smoke on their own to allow the bark to set, about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, another 10 minutes to let the BBQ sauce set.
Finish with a Crisp
Crisping the Skin – This is optional, but, for extra crispiness, you can finish the wings on a grill or under a broiler for a few minutes after smoking. This helps render the fat and crisps up the skin beautifully.
Serving – Brush the wings in additional BBQ sauce before serving. Remember, homemade BBQ sauce takes the wings to another level.
EXPERT TIP: Wrapping the pork wings in foil with butter will help to make them super tender. After an hour in the foil in the smoker, they will lighten in color. You’ll add them back to the smoker (without the foil) to allow the bark to set.
How to Cook Pork Wings
We think smoking pork wings from Mangalitsa Estates produces a flavor that is off-the-charts good. They can easily be smoked, packed up in a heatproof container, and then transferred later to a grill for finishing them. This makes them one of the best tailgating recipes of all time!
The smoker we highly recommend is an Electric Smoker from Smokin’ Tex. It is reliable and produces some of the best smoked meats, cheese, and veggies, that you could imagine.
Order any of the amazing array of products from Smokin’ Tex and use LOON10 for 10% off your entire order! Click here to browse and select from their amazing products.
How To Grill Pork Wings
- Simply set 2-zone heating areas on your grill (one side with heat and the other side with no heat). You’ll need a lid for your grill.
- Season the pork wings and cook them over the “no-heat” zone for about 1 hour, with the grill on medium-low heat.
- The internal temperature should be in the range of 160 to 175°F.
- Baste with sauce and cook longer for another 30 minutes on no heat.
- Baste again, and then finish off over direct heat until lightly charred and the meat is tender, usually another 20 minutes.
Other Smoked or Grilled Meats Recipes to Try
We just love any kind of meat that has been smoked or grilled to perfection! Here is a collection of some of our all-time favorites!
- Cheese-Stuffed Smoked Meatloaf
- Grilled Buffalo Wings with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
- Smoked Steakhouse Burger with Crispy Onion Strips
- Grilled Pulled Pork Pizza
- Best-Ever Smoked St. Louie-Style Ribs
- Classic Grilled Beer-Can Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Skewers with White Alabama Sauce
- Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
These are all amazing, without a doubt. But, in the meantime, aren’t these babies calling your name?
Chances are you’ve never had pork wings before. Folks, they are nothing short of amazing.
Order from Mangalitsa Estates and use code LOON15 for a 15% discount!
And, of course, don’t forget to make the pork rub and homemade BBQ sauce. They can be made well in advance. It all comes together to be a meat-lover’ dream come true!
Ready to make pigs fly? Go for it and smoke these pork wings!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of them, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Smoked Pork Wings
Equipment
- 1 Smoker
- wood chips pecan, hickory, or cherry
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the pork wings on a cutting board and brush olive oil all over them. Sprinkle salt all over (see NOTES) and then liberally coat with the pork rub. Let rest for 15 minutes to several hours (or overnight) in the fridge.4 8 oz pork wings, olive oil, Kosher salt, ½ cup pork rub
- Load your smokebox with 8 ounces of wood chips. Place the pork wings on a grate and turn your smoker to 250°F. Smoke for 90 minutes. The internal temperature of the pork should be in the range of 165 to 175°F.
- Remove the pork wings from the smoker. On your counter, place four large square pieces of aluminum foil. Add a pat of butter (about 1 tbsp) in the middle of each piece of foil. Top the butter with a pork wing. Lightly coat the pork wings all over with the BBQ sauce. Fold the foil up tightly around the pork wings and place back in the smoker (butter side up) for another hour.4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Remove the pork wings from the smoker and carefully remove the foil. Be careful, there will be a little excess hot butter. Return the pork wings back to the smoker for another 10 minutes, to help set the bark.
- Pull the grate holding the pork wings out slightly, and liberally brush more of the BBQ sauce over the tops. Close the door and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from the smoker and allow to cool just enough to handle (usually 5 to 10 minutes). Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
