World Flavors Cookbook

Thịt Kho Tàu (Caramel Braised Pork and Eggs)

Pork belly and hard-boiled eggs slowly caramelized in coconut water and fish sauce — the definitive Vietnamese comfort braise.

Cuisine: Vietnam

Ingredients

• 600g pork belly, cubed
• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 400ml coconut water
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 shallots
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Make caramel: melt sugar in a heavy pot until deep amber.
2. Add pork belly. Toss in caramel to coat.
3. Add garlic, shallots, fish sauce, coconut water, and pepper.
4. Braise on low heat 45-50 minutes.
5. Add eggs for the last 15 minutes.
6. The pork should be meltingly tender, sauce deeply savory and glossy.