Description
Vietnamese Thit Kho Tieu is a classic caramelized pork belly stew known for its tender, juicy meat, aromatic spices, and a rich, savory-sweet sauce. This comforting one-pot dish combines simple ingredients like pork belly, coconut water, fish sauce, and black pepper to create an authentic Vietnamese comfort food perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork belly, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, generous amount divided
- 1 cup coconut water
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (optional), peeled
Optional Variations and Garnishes
- Fresh chili slices or chili paste (to taste for spiciness)
- Palm sugar to substitute brown sugar (for traditional caramel flavor)
- Fresh Thai basil or cilantro, chopped (for serving)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches. Pat the pork pieces dry with paper towels to help achieve better searing. Lightly season with salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to start building flavor.
- Caramelize the Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed pot or clay pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until it melts and turns a rich amber color. This caramel forms the flavorful base of the dish.
- Sear the Pork: Quickly add the pork belly cubes to the caramel, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Sear until the pork is lightly browned and has absorbed the sweet, smoky notes of the caramel.
- Add Aromatics and Liquid: Add the minced garlic and shallots to the pot, stirring briefly until fragrant. Pour in the coconut water and fish sauce, stirring to combine. The liquid will slowly break down the pork and create a luscious sauce.
- Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot. Allow the stew to simmer slowly for at least one hour. This gentle cooking tenderizes the pork and thickens the sauce into a glossy, concentrated glaze.
- Add Hard-Boiled Eggs (Optional): About 10 minutes before the end of cooking, gently add peeled hard-boiled eggs to the pot. Let them soak in the sauce, absorbing the savory flavors and adding a hearty texture variation.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning while making caramel.
- Be patient when caramelizing sugar; rushing can lead to bitterness or uneven color.
- Maintain a gentle simmer to keep pork tender and ensure the sauce stays silky, adding extra coconut water or water if necessary.
- Freshly ground black pepper is essential for the authentic peppery warmth of the dish.
- Leftovers taste better after resting overnight as flavors meld.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for versatility at mealtime.
- Vegetarian option: swap pork belly with tofu and coconut water with mushroom broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Vietnamese pork stew, Thit Kho Tieu, caramelized pork belly, Vietnamese comfort food, one-pot meal, pork belly stew
