Teresa's Recipes
Thit Kho Tau
Thit Kho Tau is a cherished Vietnamese comfort food that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked meals. With its tender, caramelized pork belly simmered to perfection and enriched by hard-boiled eggs, this dish showcases the harmony of sweet and savory flavors. The luscious sauce, made from coconut water and fish sauce, imbues each bite with a unique umami depth, making it an unforgettable culinary experience. Traditionally prepared during festive occasions and family gatherings, Thit Kho Tau not only warms the heart but also carries a rich history of Vietnamese culinary artistry, celebrating the culture's emphasis on family and togetherness.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces Pork belly
- 4, peeled Hard-boiled eggs
- 4, thinly sliced Shallots
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup Coconut water
- 1 cup Water
- 3 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2, chopped (for garnish) Green onions
- 2 tablespoons (for sautéing) Oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 40g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, and sauté them until fragrant and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the pork belly pieces. Cook the pork until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and carefully add the fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper, stirring well to ensure the pork belly is evenly coated.
- Pour in the coconut water and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork belly is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich consistency.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, gently add the hard-boiled eggs to the pot, allowing them to soak in the rich, savory flavors.
- Serve the Thit Kho Tau hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add sliced chili peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, increase the amount of sugar to taste.
- Thit Kho Tau pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.