Kho quet, a beloved Vietnamese braised pork belly dish, is a symphony of savory flavors and tender textures. This culinary masterpiece showcases the magic of slow cooking, transforming humble ingredients into an unforgettable feast. The rich, dark sauce, a testament to hours of simmering, clings lovingly to succulent pork belly, while a medley of vegetables adds depth and freshness. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling Vietnamese kitchen, filled with the comforting warmth of family and delicious food. It's a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to master.
Beyond its deliciousness, kho quet represents a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, resulting in a dish that's both intensely flavorful and deeply satisfying. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and create your own delectable Kho Quet? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Hand blender
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 1 kg
- Dried shrimp: 50-100g
- Shallots
- Chili
- Carrots
- Green onions
- Bitter melon
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Cucumber
- Okra
- Rock sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning: 1/2 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Pepper
- Palm sugar (or rock sugar): 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly and Aromatics
- Wash and dry the pork belly. Cut the pork belly into finger-sized pieces.
- Blend shallots and garlic using a hand blender.
- Brown the pork belly in a pot over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the fat renders and the meat is nicely browned.
- Skim off excess fat from the pot.
- Add the blended shallots and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
Step 2. Create and Develop the Braising Sauce
- In a bowl, combine water, rock sugar, seasoning, fish sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and palm sugar.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Add the dried shrimp (rinsed, no need to soak) to the pot and skim off any foam.
- Season and adjust the sauce to your liking. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce reaches desired thickness.
Step 3. Prepare and Cook the Vegetables
- Wash and cut all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Note: Okra should not be cut at the ends. Harder vegetables should be boiled first, then softer vegetables.
- Boil vegetables separately in 2 liters of water with 1 tablespoon of sugar to keep them green and crisp. Once cooked, immediately transfer to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess sugar.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Braise the pork belly until it absorbs flavor and is easier to work with.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add spring onions and chili. Stir and serve hot with the boiled vegetables and rice.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use concentrated fish sauce with 40-42 degrees of protein for the best flavor.
- Don't cook the sauce over high heat to prevent caramelization and maintain a nice color.
- Don't throw away the rendered pork fat; use it for other dishes.
- Boiling vegetables with sugar helps preserve their color and freshness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly is traditional and best for its richness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or a boneless pork loin roast. Just be aware the cooking time might adjust slightly.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end of cooking.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Kho Quet tastes even better the next day. Prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully.
With its rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this Kho Quet recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the satisfying results of your culinary efforts, and don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or spices to personalize this classic dish. Happy cooking!