Braised Pork and Eggs in Coconut Caramel Sauce is a rich and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dish known as “Thịt Kho Trứng.” This comforting recipe combines tender pork and hard-boiled eggs simmered to perfection in a luscious, savory-sweet caramel sauce made with coconut water, fish sauce, and sugar. The pork becomes incredibly tender as it absorbs the deep flavors of the sauce, while the eggs take on a beautiful golden hue. This dish is perfect for enjoying over steamed jasmine rice, allowing the aromatic sauce to soak into the rice and create a truly satisfying meal. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful family dinner, this dish showcases the harmony of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut water
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the sugar:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns a deep amber color, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Add the pork:
- Carefully add the pork cubes to the caramelized sugar. Stir to coat the pork evenly in the caramel. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 5 minutes until the pork is browned on all sides.
- Simmer the pork:
- Pour in the coconut water, fish sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the eggs:
- Add the hard-boiled eggs to the pot, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce. Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more fish sauce or sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer the braised pork and eggs to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Enjoy your Braised Pork and Eggs in Coconut Caramel Sauce as a rich and comforting dish that beautifully captures the balance of sweet and savory flavors in Vietnamese cuisine.
