Vietnamese Caramelized Pork

How to Make Thịt Kho 

Thịt kho, sometimes called Vietnamese caramelized pork, makes a delicious and unique braised pork dish. Pork belly or shoulder gets slowly simmered in a clay pot until melt-in-your-mouth tender in a savory caramel sauce. The sauce, made from caramelized sugar, fish sauce, and garlic, delivers an incredible balance of sweet, salty, and umami. Follow these steps to make this Vietnamese specialty at home.

Ingredients You’ll Have

– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, cubed
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cups water or broth
– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

 

Caramelized Pork

 

 

Start By Cutting the Pork

Cut the pork belly or shoulder into 1-1.5 inch cubes. Pork belly provides the best texture, but shoulder works as well. Pat the pork dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Caramelize the Sugar

Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a claypot or dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 tablespoons sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar liquifies and caramelizes to a dark amber shade.

Cook the Aromatics

Immediately add the minced garlic and diced onion to the caramel. Cook for 1 minute until softened and fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic.

Add Pork and Liquid

Next, add the cubed pork pieces to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of water or broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom. Add 3 tablespoons fish sauce.

Simmer Until Tender

Raise heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes. The pork should become very tender. Turn pork occasionally so it cooks evenly.

Finish with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Once the pork is fall-apart tender, turn off heat. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside rice or noodles.

 

Caramelized Pork

 

 

Tips for the Best Flavor

– Choose fatty cuts like pork belly for best texture.
– Cook the sugar slowly so it caramelizes evenly.
– Simmer covered on low heat to allow pork to braise fully.
– Turn pork during cooking so it cooks evenly.
– Skim any oil or scum that rises to the top while cooking.

Try Serving It With

– Steamed rice or vermicelli noodles
– Herbs and lettuce for wrapping
– Vegetables like bean sprouts and cucumbers
– Chili garlic sauce or nuoc cham dipping sauce
– Lemon or lime wedges
This Vietnamese caramelized pork specialty has incredible depth of flavor. The key lies in braising the sugar slowly to avoid burning. Enjoy the fork-tender pork with all the classic accompaniments! If you are in Vietnam and interested in discovering more about Hanoi – the capital and its significance, we invite you to join us at Free Walking Tours Hanoi. We’ll take you across the building, and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. Book now and don’t miss out on this amazing experience.