Delicious, tender, and juicy grilled pork collar, with the perfect BBQ flavor! Served with grilled corn on the cob, potatoes on the grill, and a delicious sauce, it doesn’t get much better than this. If you want to see how easy it is to make the best pork collar on the grill, read on and get our recipe.
Sun, summer, and a delicious pork collar on the BBQ
When I think of pork collar and grilling, my thoughts immediately go to pulled pork. And although the initial preparation is similar to what you would use for pulled pork, the result is something completely different in this recipe.
Here, you get a buttery and very juicy pork collar, or pork neck fillet as it is also called, with a really delicious flavor from the spices and the slightly sweet barbecue sauce. When we throw a pork collar on the grill, we usually choose this barbecue-style version. Kids love it, and if you make some good side dishes, it’s a perfect summer meal.
What do you eat with grilled pork? It can be anything from grilled corn on the cob to potatoes, such as baked potatoes or potatoes cooked on the grill. And of course, there should also be a sauce. A favorite sauce goes really well with grilled meat, so I would go with that. If you prefer a lighter sauce, a Romesco sauce is a perfect option.
When you’re out looking for a pork collar, find a good-sized one. The leftovers can easily be used for a good hash the next day. We usually cut the leftovers into cubes and freeze them, making it easy to use them for a delicious hash.
And what if you don’t like pork? You can make the same recipe with turkey breast instead. Just make sure to keep a close eye on the core temperature so that the turkey breast doesn’t become dry.
Ingredient notes
Pork collar – I usually buy a couple of pieces when I find a good deal. Look for a pork collar weighing between 2 and 2.5 kg. A pork collar is also called a pork neck fillet.
Olive oil – I use olive oil as a “binder” for the barbecue rub that the pork collar should be sprinkled with. It helps the rub stick and also contributes as the fat that “fries” the surface of the pork collar on the grill.
Barbecue spice for pork – A good barbecue rub is a must for the pork collar, and the best result is achieved by mixing it yourself. Of course, you can also buy a ready-made dry rub.
In my barbecue spice for pork, the base is salt and brown sugar. You can vary the rest of the spices according to taste, but I think I’ve achieved a really nice balance in the blend I use here.
Easy barbecue sauce with ketchup – An easy and quick barbecue sauce made with good-quality ketchup. Ketchup is usually the base for barbecue sauce, and together with brown sugar and a few other ingredients, you can quickly make an easy BBQ sauce that can be used for much more than just a pork collar.
But for the grilled pork collar, it’s the barbecue sauce that gives it that final touch! It adds a lot of sweetness and gives it that delicious glazed surface.
How to make grilled pork collar?
Here’s a brief overview of how to make the best grilled pork collar.
It requires some preparation, and it needs a long time on the grill, so it’s best to make it on the weekend and not on a busy weekday.
Place the prepared pork collar, which has been scored and well coated with rub, on the preheated grill. Adjust the temperature and close the lid. Turn the roast 180 degrees several times during the cooking process to ensure even heat all around.
Aim for a core temperature of 80°C (176°F). When the core temperature approaches 60-65°C (140-149°F), coat the pork collar with barbecue sauce. Repeat this process until the core temperature reaches 80°C (176°F).
Once the core temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius, the pork collar is done, and it should be removed from the grill. Let it rest uncovered for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Find the full recipe further down this page.
Frequently asked questions
Aim for a core temperature of 80 degrees Celsius when grilling a pork collar. This ensures that the roast is fully cooked but still juicy and delicious.
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. You can slice or dice the meat and freeze it, making it ready for a delicious hash later.
Yes, you can. We love making our own barbecue sauce because it’s so easy, and you can give it the flavor you want. But if you have a store-bought BBQ sauce that you prefer, you can definitely use it.
Our favorite accompaniments for a barbecue pork collar are grilled corn on the cob, potatoes on the grill, and a favorite sauce. However, you can serve whatever you feel like. The only limit is your imagination.
Other BBQ recipes you might like
- Grilled spring onions
- Grilled flank steak
- Grilled leg of lamb
- Grilled top sirloin cap roast
- Grilled chicken breast
Tips and tricks for the recipe
- Prepare the pork collar a day or two in advance with olive oil and a generous layer of rub. Wrap it tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors of the spices to penetrate the meat.
- Make sure to maintain good and consistent heat in the grill. When the core temperature reaches around 70 degrees Celsius, it may take a bit longer to reach 80 degrees Celsius, so be patient.
- You can grill pork collar on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet grill. The pellet grill adds an extra smoky flavor.
Serving suggestions
- Serve a delicious grilled pork collar with scalloped potatoes, a fresh salad, and a delicious creamy favorite sauce.
- You can also serve it with baked potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, and whiskey sauce.
- Serve grilled pork collar with traditional potato salad and grilled vegetable skewers.
Do you love this recipe?
You should also try our recipe for Porchetta on the BBQ
Recipe for BBQ pork neck fillet
Here’s our recipe for barbecue pork collar. It’s tender, juicy, and has a really delicious flavor. It’s perfect as a summer menu with some tasty side dishes.
Surprise your family and guests with a really delicious piece of grilled meat, served with your favorite accompaniments. We hope you feel inspired to try the recipe.
Grilled pork collar
Ingredients
- 2.5 kg pork collar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Barbecue rub:
- ¾ dl brown sugar
- ¼ dl fine salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp mustard powder Coleman’s
- ¼ dl paprika
- ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Barbecue sauce:
- 1 dl Heinz ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 250 degrees Celsius (482 degrees Fahrenheit) for indirect heat. Once the pork collar is placed on the grill, reduce the temperature to 190 degrees Celsius (374 degrees Fahrenheit).
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In a saucepan, combine the ingredients for the barbecue sauce and heat over low heat until all the sugar is dissolved. Taste and set it aside when done.1 dl Heinz ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika
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Prepare the pork collar by trimming off excess fat and membranes.2.5 kg pork collar
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In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the barbecue seasoning.¾ dl brown sugar, ¼ dl fine salt, ½ tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp mustard powder, ¼ dl paprika, ½ tbsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
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Score the pork collar in a diagonal pattern with a sharp knife, cutting about 1 centimeter deep. Rub it with olive oil, followed by the barbecue seasoning you just made. This step can be done the day before to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.1 tbsp olive oil
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Place the pork collar in the middle of the grill, between the heat sources, and reduce the temperature from 250 to 190 degrees Celsius (482 to 374 degrees Fahrenheit). Grill the pork collar at 190 degrees Celsius (374 degrees Fahrenheit) using indirect heat for 2.5-3 hours or until the core temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Remember to turn the pork collar 180 degrees a few times during the cooking time to ensure even heat distribution.
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When there is about 1 hour left of cooking time, or when the core temperature approaches 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit), brush the pork collar with the barbecue sauce. Repeat this process a few times to build a nice glaze on the meat.
- Once the core temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit), remove the pork collar from the grill and let it rest for approximately 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
How do you like the recipe?
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