Thịt Kho Trứng (Caramelised Pork Belly and Eggs)
Why this recipe works
- Caramel-based braise: Melting the palm sugar into a deep amber caramel gives the sauce its signature colour, gloss and rounded sweetness.
- Savoury-sweet depth: Fish sauce, garlic, shallots and coconut water create a balanced braising liquid that is rich, salty, sweet and aromatic.
- Built for rice: The glossy sauce clings to the pork and eggs, making it ideal for spooning generously over warm jasmine rice.
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Authenticity notes
- Home-style braise: Thịt kho is a familiar Vietnamese family dish, usually cooked gently until the pork is tender and the sauce becomes deeply savoury and slightly sweet.
- Serve with rice: Steamed jasmine rice is the natural pairing, as it absorbs the caramelised fish sauce and balances the richness of the pork belly.
- Coconut water variation: Coconut water is commonly used for a softer sweetness and glossy finish, though plain water gives a more savoury result.
Ingredient notes
- Use good fish sauce: Fish sauce is central to the seasoning, so a well-balanced bottle will give the braise cleaner savoury depth.
- Choose skin-on pork belly: Skin-on pork belly gives the best mix of tenderness, richness and gelatinous texture after slow simmering.
- Adjust the sweetness: Palm sugar gives a rounded caramel note; light brown sugar works well if palm sugar is unavailable.
Common mistakes
- Burning the caramel: Watch the sugar closely once it darkens; take it to deep amber, but avoid letting it turn bitter or smoky.
- Boiling too hard: Keep the braise at a gentle simmer so the pork stays succulent and the sauce reduces evenly.
- Reducing the sauce too far: If the sauce becomes too salty or thick before the pork is tender, loosen it with a little water and continue simmering gently.
Make-ahead tips
- Even better after resting: The flavours deepen after a night in the fridge, making this a strong make-ahead dinner.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan with a splash of water until piping hot, keeping the heat low enough to protect the sauce texture.
- Freezing note: Freeze cooled portions of pork and sauce for convenient meals; the eggs can be frozen too, though their texture may become firmer.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool under cold running water and peel.
- Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear, then cook it according to the packet instructions. Keep warm while you finish the braise.
- Thinly slice the shallots and finely chop the garlic. Cut the pork belly into bite-sized chunks.
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the palm sugar with 2 tbsp water, swirling the pot as it dissolves. Cook until it turns a deep amber caramel, 3 to 5 minutes; watch closely so it does not burn.
- Carefully stir in the fish sauce, then add the shallots and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the pork and turn to coat in the caramel.
- Pour in the coconut water and the remaining water, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is starting to turn tender.
- Add the peeled eggs and black pepper, keeping the braise at a steady, gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is glossy and slightly reduced, and the pork is very tender.
- Taste and adjust with a splash more fish sauce if you want it saltier, or a little water if it has reduced too far. Serve with the jasmine rice and spoon plenty of sauce over the top.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, keep the braise at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil so the pork stays succulent and the sauce turns glossy.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use eggs with intact shells and cook them until the yolks are fully set.
Substitutions
- Replace Palm sugar with Light brown sugar for a similar caramel sweetness.
- Replace Coconut Water with Water for a less sweet, more savoury braise.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water until piping hot; freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 45min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
-
Allergens:
Eggs Fish
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