Moo Hong (Phuket Braised Pork Belly)
Local name: หมูฮ้อง
In short: Pork belly braised in a dark, sweet and peppery soy sauce with garlic, coriander root and warm spices until meltingly soft and glossy. It takes about 2 h 20 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 2 h
- Total
- 2 h 20 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 630 kcal
Moo hong is a slow-braised pork belly dish from Phuket and southern Thailand, often cooked for festivals and family gatherings. The pork simmers with a paste of garlic, coriander root and white pepper in a dark, sweet-salty sauce, until the fat is soft and the sauce is glossy. Hard-boiled eggs are a common addition. It reheats well, so cook it a day ahead and serve with rice.
Instructions
- Pound the garlic, coriander roots and white peppercorns to a rough paste in a mortar.
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Fry the paste for 2 minutes until fragrant, then add the pork and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the palm sugar and stir until it melts and turns a deep amber, about 2 minutes, coating the pork.
- Add the light and dark soy sauces, the water, cinnamon and star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes, until the pork is very tender.
- If using eggs, add them in the last 20 minutes so they take on color. Skim any excess fat from the surface.
- Uncover and simmer for 10 minutes more to thicken the sauce until glossy. Taste: it should be salty, sweet and peppery. Serve with rice and pickles.
Tips
- Cook it a day ahead. The fat sets on top in the fridge and is easy to lift off, and the flavor deepens overnight.
- Use pork shoulder for a leaner braise. Cut it into 4 cm (1.5 in) cubes and increase the cooking time by 15 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I make moo hong in a pressure cooker?
Yes. After browning, cook under high pressure for 35 minutes, release naturally and then reduce the sauce on the stove.
Does moo hong freeze well?
Yes, for up to 3 months, without the eggs. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
What can I serve with it?
Steamed rice, pickled mustard greens or cucumber and a simple stir-fried vegetable. A chili dip is also common.
How long does it take to make Moo Hong (Phuket Braised Pork Belly)?
About 2 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 2 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Moo Hong (Phuket Braised Pork Belly)?
About 630 kcal per serving, with 20 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 55 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 630 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 55 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
