[Lunch Review] 12/1: Smoky Pork Belly, Fresh Wraps, and Napa Cabbage Salad with Rich Smoky Flavor

 

Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker BBQ Grill

At Evergreen Church, Sunday worship is always followed by a cherished community meal. Recently, we added an exciting twist by introducing the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Smoker BBQ grill, purchased on November 19, 2024.

With expert guidance from Mr. Kim Chang-Sub, our church kitchen consultant, we embarked on a mission to serve delicious smoked pork barbecue for our Sunday lunch.

The Preparation

For this special occasion, we sourced 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of pork shoulder and pork belly from Costco.

Our dedicated chef began preparations the day before, carefully seasoning the pork. While it’s ideal to marinate the meat for 24 hours, this time, we allowed it to rest for 10 hours due to the detailed setup required.

The seasoning process involved a mustard base, followed by a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, and chili powder. According to the chef, the right seasoning is essential for enhancing the smoky flavor and creating a truly memorable meal.

The Smoking Process

Early Sunday morning, we fired up the Oklahoma Joe’s grill in the churchyard, using charcoal and oak wood.

  

Managing the fire required precision, so heat-resistant gloves came in handy.

  

Mr. Redford, our resident BBQ enthusiast, took charge of smoking the pork belly, ensuring it turned out perfectly.

Consistent temperature control is critical in barbecue cooking. We maintained the grill temperature between 110°C and 120°C (230°F to 250°F) and aimed for an internal meat temperature of 72°C (162°F). This process took about three hours.

Pork belly and shoulder, marinated with a special seasoning, are placed on the two tiers of the BBQ grill and cooked over a fire fueled by oak wood.

A meat thermometer is a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast. 

The Oklahoma Joe’s grill comes equipped with a built-in thermometer, making it easy to monitor the temperature and ensure the meat is cooked to perfection.

To retain the pork’s moisture during smoking, we wrapped it in butcher paper midway through the process. This technique locks in the juices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Of course, it’s the care and dedication of the cook that creates flavorful and delicious barbecue.

The chimney of the Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ grill billows with aromatic oak wood smoke, while the churchyard remains blanketed in pristine white snow from a recent storm.

To elevate the flavor of the meat, applewood chips are thoughtfully placed near the fire, imparting a subtle fruity note.

Inside the kitchen, Park I-Ro and Arisup are busy preparing.

They make ssamjang (a Korean dipping sauce), clean fresh vegetables for wraps, and wash sweet potatoes to be roasted on the grill. Arisup skillfully blends ingredients to create a vibrant napa cabbage salad, resulting in a side dish that’s both visually stunning and bursting with fresh flavor.

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Butcher Paper: A BBQ Essential

Butcher paper is a must-have for successful barbecue. After smoking the pork for 2–3 hours, wrapping it in butcher paper helps lock in the meat’s juices, ensuring it remains moist and tender. This technique also enhances the flavor and preserves the smoky aroma.

Partway through the smoking process, the pork is carefully wrapped in butcher paper and returned to the grill, where oak wood continues to maintain the perfect cooking temperature. Once the meat’s internal temperature reaches 72°C (162°F), it’s ready to serve.

As Sunday worship begins, the sanctuary fills with the harmonious hymns of the women’s ministry choir. Evergreen Church is a vibrant faith community that shares the Gospel with soldiers, fostering both spiritual growth and a sense of purpose.

The smoked pork is a resounding success, boasting a rich smoky flavor and an enticing golden color. Violet slices the pork into bite-sized portions and arranges it beautifully on plates.

These are served with an array of condiments, including BBQ sauce, spicy mustard, Park I-Ro’s ssamjang, aged kimchi, and Arisup’s fresh napa cabbage salad.

At the dining table, smoked pork and fresh vegetables are paired with other flavorful side dishes.

We sat at the table with the admirable and dependable fellow soldiers of faith.

The pastor offers a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, and everyone responds with a resounding “Amen.”

The smoked pork is exceptionally tender, with a perfect balance of juiciness and a delicate smoky aroma.

Each bite melts in the mouth, complemented by the variety of sauces and sides.

The young soldiers eat enthusiastically, savoring the meal down to the last bite. It’s heartwarming to see everyone enjoy the food so thoroughly. Smoked pork BBQ truly transcends age and preference—it’s a crowd-pleaser for all.

The deaconesses and deacons enjoy a joyful lunch together, sharing stories and laughter around the table.

Deacon Hwang thoughtfully cuts the meat into smaller, bite-sized portions to ensure it’s easy for elderly members to eat. Known for his graceful piano accompaniment and kind heart, he brings an extra layer of warmth to every gathering.

After lunch, dessert is prepared on the grill—sweet potatoes and tangerines.

Wrapped in foil, the sweet potatoes roast over the fire, filling the air with a rich, sweet aroma.

Their golden-yellow flesh is irresistibly tender and naturally sweet, making them a feast for the senses.

The president of the men’s ministry and the chef enjoy the roasted sweet potatoes together.

 

Their golden interior and honey-like sweetness make these grilled sweet potatoes a quintessential winter treat.

Evergreen Church radiates warmth, joy, and the happiness of sharing, much like the vibrant tangerines served at the table.

The congregation is deeply committed to inspiring soldiers with a renewed sense of purpose and treats them as cherished members of the family.

This is a place where the military and civilian communities come together in harmony, supported by faithful families who pray constantly for the growth, success, and well-being of the younger generation.

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