Sach Chrouk Ko (Cambodian Caramelized Pork and Eggs)
Local name: សាច់ជ្រូកខ
In short: Pork belly braised in a palm sugar caramel with fish sauce, garlic, pepper and coconut water, with hard-boiled eggs, until glossy and tender. It takes about 2 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 45 min
- Total
- 2 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 550 kcal
Sach chrouk ko is a Cambodian home braise of pork belly in a dark palm sugar caramel. Garlic, pepper and fish sauce season the pork, and coconut water makes a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that reduces to a thick glaze. Hard-boiled eggs simmer in the pot and soak up the color. Serve with plenty of steamed rice and fresh cucumber.
Instructions
- Blanch the pork in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse. This removes impurities and gives a cleaner sauce.
- Melt the palm sugar with 1 tbsp water in a heavy pot over medium-low heat, until it turns a deep amber, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it burn.
- Add the garlic and shallots and stir for 30 seconds. Add the pork and stir for 3 minutes to coat. Pour in the fish sauce and add the pepper.
- Add the coconut water and water so the pork is just covered. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Add the eggs and turn them in the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the eggs now and then, until the sauce is glossy and thick and the pork is very tender.
- Skim off excess fat and taste for salt. Serve hot with rice, cucumber, lime and chilies.
Tips
- Watch the caramel closely, since it goes from amber to bitter in seconds. If it burns, start over. Stand back when adding the liquid, as it will spit.
- Use pork shoulder or neck for a leaner braise. Cut the pieces smaller and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes in total.
Questions and answers
Can I make sach chrouk ko ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes better the next day. Refrigerate in its sauce for up to 4 days, then reheat gently, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Can I use water instead of coconut water?
Yes, but coconut water adds a light sweetness and body. If using plain water, add 1 more tbsp of palm sugar and taste the sauce at the end.
Can I freeze the braise?
Freeze the pork and sauce, but not the eggs, for up to 3 months. Boiled egg whites turn rubbery after freezing, so add fresh eggs when reheating.
How long does it take to make Sach Chrouk Ko (Cambodian Caramelized Pork and Eggs)?
About 2 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sach Chrouk Ko (Cambodian Caramelized Pork and Eggs)?
About 550 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 47 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 47 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 1400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
