Authentic Vietnamese Thit Kho: Caramelized Pork and Eggs

Ingredients

2 lbs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups coconut water
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
3 hard-boiled eggs
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bunch green onions, chopped for garnish
Steamed white rice, for serving

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the pork belly pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Add the brown sugar to the pot and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Return the pork belly to the pot and add the fish sauce and coconut water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
Add the hard-boiled eggs to the pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ground black pepper.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the Thit Kho over steamed white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Tools for making

Large pot - For cooking the Thit Kho and simmering the ingredients.
Cutting board - To chop the onion and prep the ingredients.
Knife - For cutting the pork belly into cubes and mincing the garlic.
Measuring cups - To accurately measure the coconut water, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
Wooden spoon - For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Serving plates - To serve the Thit Kho and rice.
Cooking utensils - Such as tongs or a ladle for handling the ingredients and serving the dish.
Stovetop or range - For cooking the Thit Kho over heat.

Recipe variations

Replace pork belly with pork shoulder or pork loin for a leaner option.
Use chicken thighs instead of pork for a poultry variation.
Add hard-boiled quail eggs instead of regular eggs for a unique twist.
Experiment with different spices such as star anise, cinnamon, or cloves to add complexity to the flavor profile.
Include vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn for added texture and nutrients.
For a sweeter taste, substitute the brown sugar with palm sugar or honey.
Try using coconut milk instead of coconut water for a richer and creamier sauce.
Marinate the meat with spices and herbs, such as lemongrass or ginger, before cooking for extra flavor.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end to add a tangy note to the dish.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.

Recipe overview

Thit Kho, also known as Vietnamese Braised Pork, is a delicious and hearty recipe that packs a ton of flavor. This dish is a staple in Vietnamese households, typically served with steamed white rice. The pork belly is braised in a sweet and savory sauce made from coconut water, fish sauce, and brown sugar. The sauce is deeply flavorful, with the sweetness of the coconut water balancing out the salty fish sauce. Hard-boiled eggs are added towards the end of the cooking process, soaking up the rich sauce. This recipe involves straightforward steps and simple ingredients, yet results in a complex and satisfying dish. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned cook, Thit Kho is a wonderful recipe to try. Enjoy the process, and the delicious result!

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of pork? Yes, you can use other cuts of pork such as pork shoulder or pork butt, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary.
Can I substitute coconut water? If you can't find coconut water, you can replace it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
Can I use something other than fish sauce? Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Thit Kho, but if you prefer a different flavor, you can try using soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, Thit Kho is actually even more flavorful when made ahead of time. You can refrigerate it and reheat it before serving.
How should I store the leftovers? You can store any leftover Thit Kho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Thit Kho? Yes, Thit Kho can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Thit Kho? Thit Kho is traditionally served with steamed white rice. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables or a side of greens.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish? If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet Thit Kho, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
Can I make Thit Kho in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the pork and sauté the onions and garlic in a separate pan before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the pork belly and simmer the dish.
Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for chopping the onion and preparing the ingredients.
Knife - A knife is needed for cutting the pork belly into cubes and mincing the garlic.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring the coconut water, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is helpful for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Serving bowls - Serving bowls are needed to serve the Thit Kho.
Rice cooker or pot - A rice cooker or pot is necessary for cooking the steamed white rice.
Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle the hard-boiled eggs when adding them to the dish.
Ladle - A ladle is useful for serving the Thit Kho and its flavorful sauce.

Origin stories

Thit Kho, a traditional Vietnamese dish, literally translates to "stewed meat" in English. It is a comfort food staple in Vietnamese households and is often cooked to celebrate the Lunar New Year, known as Tet. The dish symbolizes reunion and family, as the ingredients are slowly stewed together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The inclusion of hard-boiled eggs is significant as eggs are a symbol of birth and renewal. The dish's sweet and savory flavors, paired with the creaminess of the eggs, are believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. The slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to deeply infuse the meat, is also a reminder of the value of patience and time, core virtues in Vietnamese culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.