Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thit Kho Tau) | Helen's Recipes

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thit Kho Tau), a traditional Vietnamese dish. Rich in flavor and perfect for family meals, this dish combines tender pork belly with hard-boiled eggs in a sweet and savory sauce. Follow these steps to create a delicious and authentic Vietnamese meal.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) pork belly or boneless pork leg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp seasoning powder (Knorr or MSG, optional)
• 1 tbsp minced shallot (or white part of spring onion)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 600 ml (2.5 cups) coconut juice
• 600 ml (2.5 cups) water
• 5 hard-boiled eggs (or substitute with fried tofu cubes or mushrooms)

Step 2: Prepare the Pork

• Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.
• Season the pork with salt, pepper, and seasoning powder. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes for better flavor absorption.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced shallots and garlic. Sauté until they are fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 4: Brown the Pork

• Add the marinated pork pieces to the pot.
• Stir occasionally until the pork is browned on all sides, which enhances the flavor.

Step 5: Add Liquids

• Pour in the fish sauce, coconut juice, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook the Dish

• If using a regular pot, cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• If using a pressure cooker, secure the lid and cook for about 30-40 minutes.

Step 7: Add Eggs

• Once the pork is tender, add the hard-boiled eggs (or tofu/mushroom).
• Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the eggs to absorb the sauce.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Your Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thit Kho Tau) is now ready to be served! This dish pairs well with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfaction of creating a traditional Vietnamese meal. For future cooking adventures, consider exploring other Vietnamese recipes to expand your culinary skills!