Thit kho caramelized pork in fish sauce

thit_kho_caramelized_pork_in_fish_sauce

Vietnamese cuisine is a medley of flavors, aromas, textures, and colors, comprising an extensive range of recipes that have been passed down through generations. One such dish that is a staple in most Vietnamese homes is Thit Kho, which is typically served with steamed rice, pickles, and soup. Thit Kho is a form of caramelized pork in fish sauce, a dish that is rich with flavors and guaranteed to satisfy all taste buds.

The word ‘Thit’ means meat, and ‘Kho’ means braised. Therefore, in its simplest form, Thit Kho refers to pork braised in caramelized sauce. The dish has been around for centuries, and it is believed that it originated in central Vietnam, where people raised pigs.

The ingredient that makes Thit Kho unique is the caramel sauce, which is achieved by melting sugar until it turns brown. This process is crucial to the dish as it helps to balance out the saltiness of the fish sauce with the sweetness of the caramel. Furthermore, the caramelization process provides a rich and robust flavor that is distinctive to Thit Kho.

Fish sauce is also a crucial ingredient in this recipe. It is what gives the dish its unique umami flavor and saltiness. The sauce is essentially made by fermenting fish for days in salt, resulting in a sauce with a pungent, salty, and slightly sweet taste.

Thit Kho is a straightforward recipe to prepare, and it only requires a few ingredients. In addition to fish sauce, pork belly is the most common cut of meat used in this recipe. However, you can also use pork shoulder, chicken, or even fish, depending on your preference. Other ingredients include garlic, shallots, black pepper, coconut water, and of course, sugar.

To start, you need to cut the pork into small bite-sized pieces and marinate them in fish sauce, garlic, and shallots for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, you can start caramelizing the sugar by melting it over low heat, stirring constantly until it turns brown. Then, add the pork to the pan, stirring occasionally to ensure the meat is well-coated with the caramel sauce.

Next, add the coconut water and black pepper, bringing the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat and allowing it to simmer for at least an hour. During this time, the pork will absorb all the flavors, and the sauce will thicken, creating a sticky and thick consistency.

Thit Kho is usually served with steamed white rice, sliced cucumber, and pickles. The pickles are usually made from carrots and daikon radish, which are thinly sliced and pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. The pickles not only add a refreshing element to the dish, but also provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the meat.

In conclusion, Thit Kho is a favorite comfort food in Vietnam that is easy to prepare and full of flavors. From the caramelized sauce to the salty fish sauce and umami-rich pork, every element of this recipe is carefully designed to create a warm and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. So why not try your hand at making Thit Kho at home and experience the delightful taste of this classic Vietnamese dish?

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 eggs (optional)
  • Sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, season the pork belly pieces with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and cook until it starts to caramelize and turn into a deep golden brown, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the oil, garlic, and shallot to the caramelized sugar and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the pork belly to the skillet and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  5. Pour in the fish sauce and water, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for about 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced down.
  7. If using, crack the eggs into the skillet and gently scramble until cooked through.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed white rice. Enjoy!