National Pork Belly Day

Savor the Flavor: Celebrating National Pork Belly Day with Good Thyme Gal 🥓✨

Get ready to indulge, food lovers , November 10th marks National Pork Belly Day, a delicious celebration of one of the most flavorful and versatile cuts of meat in the world. From slow-roasted comfort food to crispy bites that melt in your mouth, pork belly has earned its place as a culinary favorite across cultures.

At Good Thyme Gal, we celebrate food that brings people together, honors culinary traditions, and transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. National Pork Belly Day embodies all those values, rich flavor, creativity in the kitchen, and the power of good food to connect us.

🥓 What Is National Pork Belly Day?

National Pork Belly Day is all about celebrating this savory, tender, and indulgent cut of pork that has inspired chefs and home cooks alike for centuries. Pork belly is known for its balance of fat and meat, which gives it that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked properly.

Whether it’s cured into bacon, braised in an Asian-style soy glaze, or roasted until crispy and golden, pork belly has become a global comfort food superstar. This special day invites food lovers to slow down, savor the process, and enjoy one of the most satisfying culinary experiences around.

🌿 Why National Pork Belly Day Is Beneficial

This celebration isn’t just about indulgence , it’s also about connection, culture, and appreciation for good food made with care.

1. Cultural Appreciation:Pork belly is enjoyed in cuisines all over the world, from Korean samgyeopsal and Filipino lechon kawali to American BBQ and European roasts. Recognizing this day helps celebrate the diverse culinary heritage tied to one simple ingredient.

2. Encourages Slow Cooking:In a fast-paced world, pork belly reminds us to slow down. This cut rewards patience, slow roasting, braising, or curing brings out its best flavors. It’s a delicious lesson in mindfulness and craftsmanship.

3. Supports Nose-to-Tail Cooking:Pork belly encourages sustainable, nose-to-tail cooking, using the whole animal and minimizing waste. It’s a practice that honors both the food and the farmers who raise it.

4. Comfort and Community:Few things bring people together like a dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and irresistible aroma. Sharing pork belly with loved ones, whether at a family dinner or backyard BBQ, turns a meal into a memory.

🌿 How It Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in intentional, inclusive, and equitable cooking. National Pork Belly Day aligns perfectly with that mission:

• Equitable Cooking: Pork belly is budget-friendly and accessible. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, anyone can create a restaurant-worthy dish.

• Cultural Connection: It honors culinary traditions from all corners of the world, reflecting Good Thyme Gal’s belief that food unites us across boundaries.

• Mindful Eating: Preparing and savoring pork belly reminds us to cook with love, gratitude, and presence, the essence of mindful cooking.

• 
  

🥢 Equitable Recipe: Crispy Honey-Garlic Pork Belly

Here’s a simple, flavorful recipe that brings the magic of pork belly home, using affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds pork belly, skin on

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

• Fresh scallions or sesame seeds for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the skin of the pork belly lightly with a sharp knife.

2. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

3. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F (160°C) and cook for another 60–75 minutes until crispy and golden.

4. While it cooks, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.

5. Brush the glaze over the pork belly during the last 10 minutes of roasting.

6. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and garnish with scallions or sesame seeds.

This recipe captures what Good Thyme Gal stands for, rich flavor, comfort, and accessibility. Every bite delivers a balance of crispy, tender, and sweet-savory perfection.

🌿 Why It Matters for Good Thyme Gal

National Pork Belly Day celebrates culinary artistry, patience, and connection, three things central to Good Thyme Gal’s mission. It reminds us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusive. It can be made from simple ingredients, cooked with love, and shared generously.

So, on November 10th, roll up your sleeves, heat up the oven, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of something slow-cooked and satisfying. Because at Good Thyme Gal, we believe that food isn’t just what we eat, it’s how we connect, create, and celebrate life. 🌿✨