Indulge in the rich, savory depths of Thịt Kho Tàu, a classic Vietnamese braised pork belly dish elevated with the creamy richness of duck eggs. This comforting and flavorful recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal. The succulent pork belly, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, is infused with the aromatic spices of fish sauce, soy sauce, and rock sugar, creating a symphony of sweet, salty, and umami notes. The addition of duck eggs adds a luxurious touch, their yolks becoming creamy and decadent as they braise alongside the pork.
This recipe simplifies the traditional method, making it achievable even for novice cooks. Using a rice cooker streamlines the process, minimizing hands-on time while maximizing flavor. Ready to experience the magic of Thịt Kho Tàu? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Rice cooker
- Pan
- Blender
- String
- Mesh bag
Ingredients
- Pork belly (without ribs)
- Duck eggs: 10
- Ginger
- Salt
- Shallots: 2
- Onions: 50g
- Garlic: 50g
- Chili: 50g
- Rock sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Caramel: 1 tablespoon
- Pineapple: 1 piece (for juice)
- Vinegar or Lemon: 1 tablespoon
- Water: Approximately 800ml
- Banana leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Pan-fry the pork skin until slightly burnt for aroma.
- Wash and clean the pork belly. Rub with salt and ginger, then soak for 5 minutes. Rinse again.
- Blanch the pork belly in boiling water with half an onion and salt for about 5 minutes.
- Cut the pork belly into 5cm thick, 8cm long chunks.
- Lightly sauté the pork belly until slightly burnt on all sides.
- Tie up any pieces of meat with a layer of fat using string to prevent tearing during braising.
Step 2. Marinate and Prepare the Sauce
- Lightly sauté the shallots.
- Blend onions, garlic, and chili until smooth.
- Mix the blended mixture with rock sugar, fish sauce, and caramel.
- Marinate the pork with the spice mixture and pineapple juice for at least an hour (preferably sun-dried or refrigerated overnight).
- Boil duck eggs with salt and vinegar in the rice cooker for 10 minutes.
- Peel the boiled eggs.
Step 3. Rice Cooker Braising
- Arrange the marinated pork belly and peeled duck eggs in the rice cooker.
- Filter the marinade through a mesh bag containing the onions and garlic to avoid cloudiness in the broth.
- Add filtered marinade, water (800ml total), and remaining spices to the rice cooker.
- Cover the rice cooker and cook on the rice cooking mode. Skim off foam as needed.
- Cover the pot with banana leaves, and cook for 30 minutes without the lid.
- Switch to the keep-warm mode and cook for another hour (total cooking time approximately 2 hours).
- Check for tenderness; if needed, continue simmering on keep-warm until desired tenderness is reached.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use pork belly without ribs for a better balance of meat and fat.
- Sun-drying or refrigerating the marinated meat overnight enhances the flavor and clarity of the fat.
- Use duck eggs with a slightly green color for a richer, fattier yolk.
- Adding vinegar or lemon to the egg-boiling water helps prevent sticking.
- Skimming foam regularly keeps the broth clear.
- Using banana leaves adds a subtle aroma and prevents excessive water loss.
- The slow cooking in the keep-warm mode ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 800-1000
- Fat: 60-80g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken eggs instead of duck eggs?
Yes, but duck eggs offer a richer, creamier yolk that enhances the overall flavor. Chicken eggs will still work, though the result might be slightly less decadent.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a few slices of fresh chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the braising liquid for extra heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
3. What should I serve this with?
Thịt Kho Tàu is delicious served with steamed rice, crusty bread, or alongside other Vietnamese dishes like fresh spring rolls or a side salad.
This easy rice cooker method makes Thịt Kho Tàu accessible to everyone, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the satisfyingly tender pork belly – a truly rewarding culinary experience. Impress your family and friends with this delicious and surprisingly simple Vietnamese classic!