Best 4 Thit Heo Kho Trung Pork And Eggs In Caramel Sauce Recipes

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Thit heo kho trung, or pork and eggs in caramel sauce, is a classic Vietnamese dish that is often served during special occasions. The dish is made with pork belly, eggs, and a sweet and savory caramel sauce. The pork belly is first braised in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic, then simmered in the caramel sauce until tender. The eggs are added to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking, and they absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. Thit heo kho trung is typically served over rice, and it can be garnished with green onions, cilantro, or fried shallots.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

INSTANT POT CARAMELIZED PORK AND EGGS / THIT KHO TRUNG



Instant Pot Caramelized Pork and Eggs / Thit Kho Trung image

This Instant Pot recipe for Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thit Kho Trung) is quick and easy to make and tastes just as good as the slow-cooked version. Coated with a homemade caramel sauce, meaty chunks of pork are pressure cooked with hard-boiled eggs in a sweet and savory sauce. Infused with coconut water and fish sauce, the pork is flavorful and fork-tender. The abundant eggs, my favorite part of this dish, are deliciously marinated and perfectly cooked. The best part about this recipe is everything can be done in the Instant Pot including making the eggs and parboiling the pork. I hope you give this recipe a try!

Provided by Trang

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

9 large eggs
2 lb pork sirloin tip roast (, or pork shoulder or butt)
1 lb pork belly
2 Tbsp salt (, for cleaning the pork)
2 Tbsp vinegar (, for cleaning the pork)
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup sugar
2 large garlic cloves
1/2 medium brown onion
2 1/2 cups coconut water
2-3 cups hot water (, adjusted as needed)
1/2 tsp black peppercorns (, about 20-25 peppercorns)

Steps:

  • Transfer the eggs into the inner pot placing them on top of an egg rack or steamer basket. Add 2 cups hot water (1 cup if using the 6 or 3 quart Instant Pot).
  • Cover with the pressure cooker lid and set the steam release handle to "Sealing".
  • Press the "Manual" button and set the cook time for 5 minutes on High Pressure. When the cook time is completed, allow for a 5 minute natural pressure release. Release the remaining pressure.
  • Transfer the eggs into a bowl of ice water. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Peel the eggs and set aside for now.
  • Fill the inner pot halfway with hot water. Place into the Instant Pot and cover with a glass lid. Press the "Sauté" button to start heating the water.
  • Sprinkle salt and vinegar all over the pork. Gently rub the solution onto the meat. Wash the pork well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Trim off an excess fat. Cut the pork sirloin and pork belly into chunks, approximately 2 inch cubes.
  • Once the water comes to a boil, add the pork pieces and gently stir together. Cover with a glass lid and let the water come to a boil again.
  • Transfer the pork into a large colander. Rinse the meat under cold running water, washing away any loose bits of meat and residue. Drain well and transfer into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle fish sauce on the pork. Allow to marinate while continuing with the next steps.
  • Wash the inner pot with soap and water and dry well. Put the inner pot back into the Instant Pot.
  • Press the "Sauté" button to heat the inner pot. Sprinkle sugar into the inner pot coating it evenly.
  • Cook the sugar until it caramelizes and becomes a honey color, approximately 10-15 minutes. Let the sugar cook while continuing with the next step.
  • Peel and smash the garlic cloves. Cut the brown onion into thick wedges.
  • Add the pork and quickly combine together, coating it in the caramel sauce. Press the "Keep Warm/Cancel" button to stop the "Sauté" mode.
  • Add the hard-boiled eggs along with the coconut water and 2 cups hot water. Rearrange everything making sure the eggs are covered with liquid. Add more hot water if needed.
  • Add the onions, garlic and black peppercorns. Add any remaining fish sauce from the marinade.
  • Cover with the pressure cooker lid and set the steam release handle to "Sealing". Press the "Manual" button and set the cook time for 30 minutes on High Pressure. When the cook time is completed, allow for a 15 minute natural pressure release. Release the remaining pressure.
  • Serve the Caramelized Pork and Eggs with Pickled Bean Sprouts (Dua Gia) or Pickled Mustard Greens (Dua Cai Chua) and hot white rice.
  • Store any remaining portions in the refrigerator and enjoy within the week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 744 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 53 g, Fat 50 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Cholesterol 464 mg, Sodium 1089 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 11 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THIT HEO KHO TRUNG (PORK AND EGGS IN CARAMEL SAUCE)



Thit Heo Kho Trung (Pork and Eggs in Caramel Sauce) image

Tet is for savoring abundance, which explains why this rich, savory braise of pork and eggs in bittersweet caramel sauce is a must-have on many southern Vietnamese Lunar New Year menus. It's an extravagant treat. Pork leg with the skin attached (fresh ham) is the cut of meat traditionally used, but pork shoulder or belly also offers the delicious balance of fat and lean meat. The eggs lend an interesting contrast of chewy white and buttery yolk, while the sauce featuring coconut water is softly sweet. Searing the meat and including peppercorns are modern touches that induce greater complexity. The cook time can be cut nearly in half by making the braise in a pressure cooker. Crunchy pickled bean sprout salad is the traditional accompaniment, along with plenty of rice. Stir-fried greens can be served alongside too.

Provided by Andrea Nguyen

Categories     dinner, meat, main course

Time 2h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more as needed
1/8 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, belly or leg (see Tip)
2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
2 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, plus more as needed
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 cups unsweetened coconut water, strained if pulpy
4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
2 fresh Thai chiles or 1 serrano chile, thinly sliced (optional)

Steps:

  • Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the 1/4 cup sugar, vinegar and 1 tablespoon water until the sugar nearly dissolves, 60 to 90 seconds. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns champagne yellow, about 3 minutes, then continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, frequently picking up the pan and swirling it to control the caramelization. When the mixture is a dark tea color (expect faint smoking), turn off the heat and keep the pan on the burner. Let the caramelization continue until the mixture is burgundy in color, 1 to 2 minutes. Slide the pan to a cool burner and add 3 tablespoons water, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Warm over medium heat to loosen, if needed.
  • Cut the pork into chunks about 1-inch thick and 2 to 3 inches long, making sure each piece has both lean meat and fat. Warm the oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in 2 or 3 batches, cook the pork on all sides until lightly browned, about 1 minute per batch, holding the seared meat on a plate. When done, return all the pork and any accumulated juices to the pot, then add the caramel sauce, fish sauce, onion, garlic, peppercorns and coconut water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim the scum, then adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook until a knife tip inserted 1/4 inch into the pork meets little resistance, about 1 1/4 hours.
  • Use tongs to retrieve the pork and hold in a bowl, loosely covered to prevent drying. If peppercorns cling to the pork, leave them for zing, or knock them off and discard. To quickly filter and remove fat from the cooking liquid, set a mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl, line with a double layer of paper towels and pour the liquid through. After most of the liquid passes through and a layer of fat remains above the solids, set the strainer aside. (Save the fat for cooking if you like.) You should have about 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid.
  • Return the liquid to the pot, bring to a boil over high heat and cook until reduced to 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer, then add the pork and eggs. Cook, gently stirring now and then, to heat through and coat with the dark sauce, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let rest 5 minutes, uncovered, to concentrate flavors. Taste and add up to 1 1/2 teaspoons of fish sauce or 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, or both, as needed for a pleasant savory-sweet finish. Transfer to a shallow bowl for serving. Invite diners to halve the eggs themselves. If you'd like spicy heat, gently smash the chiles in individual dishes for dipping sauce with some sauce from the pot, and use it to dip the pork and egg or to drizzle into the bowls.

CARAMELIZED PORK BELLY (THIT KHO)



Caramelized Pork Belly (Thit Kho) image

This dish is very popular in Vietnamese households for everyday eating but is also traditionally served during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The longer you cook the pork belly, the more tender it becomes. If you make this dish ahead, the fat will congeal on the surface, making it easier to remove, and a little healthier! This also allows the flavors to meld a little more. Serve with rice.

Provided by Pat

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Vietnamese

Time 1h43m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds pork belly, trimmed
2 tablespoons white sugar
5 shallots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons fish sauce
ground black pepper to taste
13 fluid ounces coconut water
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

Steps:

  • Slice pork belly into 1-inch pieces layered with skin, fat, and meat.
  • Heat sugar in a large wok or pot over medium heat until it melts and caramelizes into a light brown syrup, about 5 minutes. Add pork and increase heat to high. Cook and stir to render some of the pork fat, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir shallots and garlic into the wok. Add fish sauce and black pepper; stir to evenly coat pork. Pour in coconut water and bring to a boil. Add eggs, reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered, until pork is tender, about 1 hour.
  • Remove wok from the heat and let stand, about 10 minutes. Skim the fat from the surface of the dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.3 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 266.8 mg, Fat 26.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 26.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 1831.6 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

PRESSURE COOKER VIETNAMESE CARAMEL PORK AND EGGS



Pressure Cooker Vietnamese Caramel Pork and Eggs image

Called thit heo kho trung in Vietnamese, this rich combination of pork and eggs in bittersweet caramel sauce and coconut water is a must-have on many southern Vietnamese Tet menus, though people enjoy it as cozy year-round fare, too. It is typically made well in advance of Lunar New Year, so you're free to relax when the holiday comes around. If you didn't plan ahead to make it on the stovetop, follow this pressure cooker version to make the braise in a flash. Serve it with crunchy pickled bean sprout salad, stir-fried greens and steamed rice.

Provided by Andrea Nguyen

Categories     meat, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more as needed
1/8 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, belly or leg (see Note)
2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
2 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, plus more as needed
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 cups unsweetened coconut water, strained if pulpy
4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
2 fresh Thai chiles or 1 serrano chile, thinly sliced (optional)

Steps:

  • Make a caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together the sugar, vinegar and 1 tablespoon water over medium heat until the sugar nearly dissolves, 60 to 90 seconds. Cook without stirring until champagne yellow, about 3 minutes, then continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, frequently picking up the pan and swirling it to control the caramelization. When the mixture is a dark tea color (expect faint smoking), turn off the heat and keep the pan on the burner. Let the caramelization continue until the mixture is burgundy in color, 1 to 2 minutes. Slide the pan to a cool burner and add 3 tablespoons water, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Warm over medium heat to loosen, if needed.
  • Cut the pork into chunks about 1-inch thick and 2 to 3 inches long, making sure each piece has both lean meat and fat. Warm the oil in a 6-quart multicooker on the highest heat setting, such as "Saute." Working in 2 or 3 batches, cook the pork on all sides until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side, holding the seared meat on a plate. When done, return all the pork and any accumulated juices to the pot, then add the caramel sauce, fish sauce, onion, garlic, peppercorns and coconut water. Lock the lid, then set to high pressure for 12 minutes.
  • Naturally depressurize for 10 minutes before releasing pressure. Use tongs to retrieve the pork and hold in a bowl, loosely covered to prevent drying. If peppercorns cling to the pork, leave them for zing, or knock them off and discard. To quickly filter and remove fat from the cooking liquid, set a mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl, line with a double layer of paper towels and pour the liquid through. After most of the liquid passes through and a layer of fat remains above the solids, set the strainer aside. (Save the fat for cooking if you like.)
  • Return the liquid to the pot, bring to a boil on the highest heat setting (Saute) and cook until reduced to 1 cup, 15 to 18 minutes. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer, then add the pork and eggs. Cook, gently stirring now and then, to heat through and coat with the dark sauce, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let rest 5 minutes, uncovered, to concentrate flavors. Taste and add up to 1 1/2 teaspoons of fish sauce or 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, or both, as needed for a pleasant savory-sweet finish. Transfer to a shallow bowl for serving. Invite diners to halve the eggs themselves. If you'd like spicy heat, gently smash the chiles in individual dishes for dipping sauce with some sauce from the pot, and use it to dip the pork and egg or to drizzle into the bowls.

Tips for Making Thit Heo Kho Trung:

  • Use a deep pot or Dutch oven to ensure the pork and eggs are fully submerged in the sauce.
  • Sear the pork belly in small batches to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking.
  • Allow the caramel sauce to simmer for several minutes before adding the pork and eggs, as this helps develop a rich flavor.
  • Use a combination of light and dark soy sauce to achieve the desired balance of salty and sweet flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your desired level of spiciness.
  • Serve Thit Heo Kho Trung with steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

Thit Heo Kho Trung is a delectable Vietnamese dish that combines savory pork belly, tender eggs, and a flavorful caramel sauce. With its balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe provides detailed instructions to help you create an authentic and delicious Thit Heo Kho Trung at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the taste of this Vietnamese classic.

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