Caramelized pork belly thit kho –If you’re looking to savor a quintessential Vietnamese dish, look no further than Authentic Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly, or Thit Kho Tau. This delightful recipe combines tender pork belly with a rich and savory sauce, creating a meal that is both comforting and full of deep flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is a must-try!
Authentic Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly
This traditional recipe showcases the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors. The dish is often served with steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup coconut soda (or cola)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup coconut water (or water)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the pork belly. In a large pot, add the cubed pork belly and cover it with water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to render some fat. Drain the pork and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sugar and cook over medium heat until it turns into a caramel color. Be cautious to not burn it.
- Once the sugar is caramelized, carefully add the pork back into the pot. Stir to coat the pork evenly with the caramel.
- Add the coconut soda, fish sauce, coconut water, garlic, ginger, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. You can add more water if necessary during cooking.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, add the sliced chili for a bit of heat.
- Once done, sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious pork belly over steamed rice for a fulfilling meal!