Thit Kho, also known as Vietnamese caramelized pork and eggs, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has been passed down through generations. This savory and sweet dish is made with pork belly, boiled eggs, fish sauce, and sugar, giving it a unique flavor profile. 
Thit Kho is a popular dish served during the Lunar New Year and is often shared among family and friends. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, Thit Kho can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Why This Recipe Works
This Thit Kho recipe is a classic Vietnamese favorite that combines a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The caramelized sugar gives the pork a beautiful color and a delightful sweetness that complements the saltiness of the fish sauce. Additionally, the slow-cooking process ensures that the pork is tender and juicy, while the flavors have ample time to meld together, resulting in an irresistibly tasty dish.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also uses a handful of simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. This makes it perfect for those who want to try their hand at Vietnamese cuisine without feeling overwhelmed. Furthermore, this dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different cuts of pork or even substitute with other proteins.
Ingredients
Pork shoulder - the ideal cut for its tender texture; substitute with pork belly for a richer flavor.
Coconut water - adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce; substitute with regular water if unavailable.
Fish sauce - essential for authentic Vietnamese flavor; substitute with soy sauce if necessary.
Sugar - for caramelization, enhancing both color and taste; substitute with brown sugar if preferred.
Shallots - add a mild onion flavor; substitute with onion or green onion if needed.
Tips
- Make sure to watch the sugar closely as it caramelizes to avoid burning.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your pork.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked pork and reduce the sauce on the stove.
- Add hard-boiled eggs to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Thit Kho is best enjoyed over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to be soaked up by the rice. The dish is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
- Serve with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair Thit Kho with a fresh and tangy Vietnamese salad to cut through the richness of the dish.
- Enjoy it as part of a Vietnamese-style family-style meal with other traditional dishes like Pho or Banh Mi.
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Thit Kho
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 2 cups coconut water
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 shallots thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large pot, caramelize the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber.
- Add the pork pieces and shallots, stirring to coat the pork with the caramelized sugar.
- Pour in the coconut water and fish sauce, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed, then serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure to watch the sugar closely as it caramelizes to avoid burning.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your pork.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked pork and reduce the sauce on the stove.
- Add hard-boiled eggs to the dish for extra flavor and texture.