Alright girlfriends, let me spill the tea on this absolutely divine Vietnamese recipe that’ll have your dinner guests thinking you secretly trained with a master chef in Hanoi! Today, I’m sharing my go-to Caramelized Vietnamese Pork Belly (Thịt Kho Tàu) recipe that’s been passed down through generations and tweaked to perfection.
Let me tell you, the first time I made this, my house smelled so incredible that my neighbor literally came knocking to ask what I was cooking! 😅 This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with a rich caramel sauce that’s perfectly balanced with fish sauce, coconut water, and aromatics.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 shallots, finely chopped
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar (for caramel)
– 1 cup coconut water
– 4 hard-boiled eggs (trust me on this one!)
– Black pepper to taste
– Green onions for garnish
Now, before we dive in, if you’re loving this recipe already, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for more mouthwatering recipes that’ll make you the talk of the town!
Let’s get cooking, shall we?
1. First things first, let’s make the caramel base. Heat sugar in a large pot over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Don’t you dare step away – this baby can burn faster than gossip spreads!
1. Add your pork belly pieces and let them get friendly with that caramel. Stir until they’re coated and slightly browned (about 5 minutes).
1. Throw in those aromatic garlic and shallots. The smell right now? Heaven!
1. Pour in the fish sauce (hold your nose if you must, but it’s worth it!), soy sauce, and coconut water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.
1. After about an hour, add those hard-boiled eggs. Let everything continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the pork is tender enough to cut with a spoon.
The secret to this dish? Patience, honey! Don’t rush perfection. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop.
Y’all, I cannot tell you how many times this dish has saved my dinner parties! It’s that perfect combination of impressive and comforting that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.
If you’re vibing with this recipe, don’t forget to drop a comment below and share your experience! I absolutely live for your feedback, and nothing makes me happier than seeing your successful kitchen adventures.
Remember to follow me on Newsbreak for daily recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance! I’ve got so many more Vietnamese favorites up my sleeve, and trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next!
Pro tip: Make extra because leftovers taste even better the next day – if they last that long! And between us girls, this dish is totally worth breaking your diet for. 😉
Drop a comment below if you’re planning to try this recipe or if you’ve got any questions. I’m here to help you slay in the kitchen! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your foodie friends – sharing is caring, after all! 💁♀️
Now, go forth and cook up some magic in your kitchen! Until next time, stay sassy and keep cooking! 🥘✨
