Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly (Thit Kho Tau)

Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly (Thit kho tau) is classic comfort food of Viet families. Pork belly is slowly braised until it has a beautiful caramel color and becomes so flavorful and tender.

Caramelized pork belly is in the daily rotation of many Vietnamese families. They call it “thịt kho tàu” (or just “thịt kho” for short). Eggs can also be added to the dish, and then they will call the dish “thịt kho trứng“.

Basically, pork belly is braised with caramel sauce and fish sauce until the meat is flavorful and tender.

• 2 lbs pork belly
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 shallots, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water, divided
• cooking oil
• 3-4 tablespoons (more or less to taste)
• 3 cups fresh coconut juice (about 2 coconuts)
• 6-8 eggs (more or less to your liking)