Indulge in the rich, savory depths of Thit Kho Tau – Vietnamese braised pork belly with eggs – a dish synonymous with the joyous celebrations of Tet, the Lunar New Year. This comforting classic features melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant sauce of caramelized sugar, fish sauce, garlic, and shallots. The addition of hard-boiled eggs adds a delightful textural contrast and further enriches the flavour profile. This dish is a testament to Vietnamese culinary artistry, a symphony of sweet, salty, and umami notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
The irresistible aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling Vietnamese kitchen, filled with the warmth of family and tradition. Beyond its captivating flavour, Thit Kho Tau is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting your own unforgettable Braised Pork Belly with Eggs.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Pot
- Chopsticks
- Pan
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 1 kg
- Eggs: 10
- Onion: 2 cloves
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Chili pepper: 1
- Salt
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons (45g)
- Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
- MSG: a little bit
- Water: 1 liter
- Fresh coconut water
- Lotus leaves (or banana, jackfruit, dong leaves)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly and Eggs
- Wash the pork belly thoroughly. Use a knife to scrape the skin clean.
- Soak the pork belly in a solution of water and 2 tablespoons of salt for 10 minutes to make the meat soft and fragrant.
- Boil 10 eggs with a tablespoon of salt until the yolk is in the middle (about 5 minutes). Then cover and let sit to cook slowly.
- Remove the pork belly from the salt water and pan-fry it skin-side down until golden brown and fragrant. Flip and pan-fry the other sides until lightly browned.
- Cut the pan-fried pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
- Prick each egg with a tool several times to allow spices to penetrate and prevent toughness during braising.
Step 2. Marinate and Caramelize
- Marinate the pork belly with 2 tablespoons of sugar, chopped onions, and salt. Let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Make caramel by heating 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of sugar until light reddish-brown. Remove from heat and roll the eggs in the caramel.
- In a pot, combine the marinated pork belly with 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of salt, a little MSG, and the caramel. Marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3. Braise the Pork Belly and Eggs
- Braise the pork belly with 1 liter of fresh coconut water (slightly old coconut water is recommended) over low heat. Skim off any foam. Cover the pot with leaves (lotus, banana, jackfruit, or dong leaves).
- Simmer until the coconut water reduces to half. Add the eggs and continue braising for 15-20 minutes until the spices are absorbed and the eggs are soft.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and let the braised pork belly and eggs cool. Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Scrape the skin of the pork belly clean before cooking for a beautiful, clear result.
- Pan-frying the pork belly before braising helps to firm the meat and prevent toughness.
- Marinating the pork belly with sugar first helps retain water and fat within the skin.
- Rolling the eggs in caramel before braising gives them a beautiful color and fragrant flavor.
- Braising over low heat ensures the meat cooks slowly and becomes tender.
- Covering the pot with leaves during braising helps the meat soften quickly and become fragrant. If leaves are unavailable, simply cover the pot.
- Don't overcook the eggs; they should be soft and not hard.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly?
While pork belly is traditional and delivers the best texture, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even beef brisket. Adjust cooking time accordingly; tougher meats will require longer braising.
2. How can I make this dish less salty?
Reduce the amount of fish sauce by 1-2 tablespoons, and taste-test frequently during the braising process. You can also balance the saltiness by adding a touch more sugar.
With its rich flavors and tender texture, this Thit Kho Tau recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. The satisfying combination of sweet, savory, and umami notes makes it a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy the delicious results of your hard work – Chúc mừng năm mới! (Happy New Year!)