Thịt Kho Trứng (Vietnamese Caramelized Pork and Eggs)
Local name: Thịt kho trứng
In short: Pork belly and hard-boiled eggs braised in coconut water, fish sauce and caramel until glossy and tender, the classic Tết dish eaten with rice. It takes about 2 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 45 min
- Total
- 2 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 530 kcal
Thịt kho trứng is a pot of pork belly and whole eggs braised in a sweet-salty caramel sauce, the kind of dish that sits on the stove for hours and tastes better each day. It is a classic at Tết, when families cook a big pot to last through the holiday, and it is also an everyday meal with rice and pickled vegetables. Coconut water gives the southern version its gentle sweetness.
Instructions
- Blanch the pork cubes in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse. Hard-boil the eggs for 10 minutes, cool them in cold water and peel.
- Make the caramel: put the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a heavy pot over medium heat and cook, swirling, until deep amber, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the pork and stir to coat for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic, shallots, fish sauce, pepper, coconut water and the cup of water. Bring to a boil, skim the surface, then lower to a gentle simmer with the lid slightly ajar.
- Simmer for 45 minutes, then add the eggs and push them under the liquid. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes more, until the pork is tender and the sauce is thick and syrupy, basting now and then.
- Rest for 15 minutes, then top with spring onions and more pepper. Serve with steamed rice, pickled carrot and daikon, and boiled greens.
Tips
- Use pork belly with some lean layers. If the sauce looks greasy, chill the pot overnight and lift off the set fat before reheating.
- Add the eggs about halfway so they take on color without turning rubbery. Lightly scoring the eggs helps them soak up more sauce.
Questions and answers
Can I use water instead of coconut water?
Yes. Use plain water in the same amount and add 1 teaspoon more sugar, since the sauce will taste less sweet.
How long does thịt kho trứng keep?
Up to 5 days in the fridge in its sauce. It also freezes for 2 months, but the eggs turn firm, so leave them out if you plan to freeze it.
What do you serve with thịt kho trứng?
Steamed rice, đồ chua (pickled carrot and daikon) and a bowl of sour soup or boiled greens to cut the richness.
How long does it take to make Thịt Kho Trứng (Vietnamese 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 Thịt Kho Trứng (Vietnamese Caramelized Pork and Eggs)?
About 530 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 40 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 530 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
