World Flavors Cookbook

Tom Khem (Lao Sweet Braised Pork)

Pork belly slowly braised in palm sugar, soy sauce, and five-spice until deeply caramelized — the Lao version of a sweet braised pork.

Cuisine: Laos

Ingredients

• 600g pork belly, cubed
• 3 tbsp palm sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Caramelize palm sugar in a heavy pot until golden.
2. Add pork belly and coat in caramel.
3. Add soy sauces, star anise, cinnamon, garlic, and enough water to cover.
4. Simmer 45-50 minutes until pork is tender.
5. Add eggs in last 15 minutes.
6. Serve with rice.