Swedish Thyme and Honey Glazed Pork Belly

Introduction

This Swedish Thyme and Honey Glazed Pork Belly is a showstopper. Crispy, caramelized, and infused with rich flavors, this dish is grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill using the reverse searing method. The result? A beautifully glazed, tender inside with an irresistible crust. By grilling everything directly on the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly, skin on
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• Firewood (for the grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins and ignite.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Belly

1. Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel for optimal crispiness.
2. Season both sides with smoked sea salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Belly

1. Place the pork belly skin-side down on the center grill grate of the Arteflame for a high-heat sear at 1,000°F.
2. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes per side to create a deep, golden crust.
3. Move the pork belly onto the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking with indirect heat.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix honey, thyme, Dijon mustard, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Brush the glaze generously over the seared pork belly.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

1. Continue cooking on the griddle cooktop, flipping every few minutes and basting with more glaze.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (remove from the grill at 170°F as it will continue to cook).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Rest the pork belly for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
2. Serve with your favorite grilled sides.

Tips

• For extra crispiness, score the skin of the pork belly before seasoning.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
• Cook any additional sides on the outer edge of the Arteflame cooktop for perfect heat control.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Glazed: Swap honey for maple syrup and add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper.
2. Asian Inspired: Use hoisin sauce instead of honey and add a splash of soy sauce.
3. Garlic Butter: Replace the glaze with melted garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon.
4. Herb Crusted: Coat the pork belly with rosemary, thyme, and oregano before searing.
5. Classic BBQ: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the thyme-honey glaze.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with garlic butter
• Charred Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Crispy baby potatoes with rosemary
• A bold, smoky red wine or a dark craft beer

Conclusion

Cooking Swedish Thyme and Honey Glazed Pork Belly on the Arteflame grill takes the flavors to a whole new level. By searing at 1,000°F and reverse-searing on the flat cooktop, you lock in the juices for a tender, flavorful bite every time. Try this recipe and impress your guests with a perfectly grilled masterpiece.