Thịt Kho Tàu (Vietnamese Braised Pork with Eggs)
Thịt Kho Tàu is a classic Vietnamese dish of tender pork belly and hard-boiled eggs braised in a flavorful coconut water and fish sauce broth. This savory and slightly sweet stew is a staple in Vietnamese home cooking, often served with steamed rice.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 1,438 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, fish, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 900 gpork belly, skin on, cut into 2-inch (5.1 cm) cubes
- 6 pcshard-boiled egg, shelled
- 3 pcsshallot, minced
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 0.25 cupfish sauce
- 3 tbspsugar
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 4 cupcoconut water
- 1 cupwater
- 1 tbspcooking oil
garnish
- 2 pcsgreen onion, chopped(optional)
- 1 pcsred chili, sliced(optional)
Equipment
Dutch oven · large bowl · heavy-bottomed pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, minced shallot, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Marinating the pork for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, will enhance the flavor.
- 2
Toss everything together until the pork is well coated with the marinade.
About 1 min
- 3
Heat cooking oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
About 2 min
- 4
Add the marinated pork belly (reserving any excess marinade) to the hot pot and sear it on all sides until lightly browned.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Browning the pork adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
- 5
Pour in the coconut water and water, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged.
About 1 min
- 6
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60 minutes.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Maintain a gentle simmer to ensure the pork becomes tender without drying out.
- 7
After 60 minutes, add the shelled hard-boiled eggs to the pot.
- 8
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the pork is very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly and developed a rich color.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: The eggs will absorb the delicious braising liquid, turning a beautiful golden brown.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce or sugar to your preference.
About 1 min
- 10
Serve the Thịt Kho Tàu hot with steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onion and sliced red chili if desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 1,438kcal
- Protein
- 46.8g
- Carbs
- 27.9g
- Fat
- 134.1g
- Fibre
- 3.6g
- Sugar
- 17.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Thịt Kho Tàu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesside dish
Semmelknödel
Semmelknödel are classic Austrian and German bread dumplings made from stale bread, milk, and eggs. These savory, tender dumplings are seasoned with parsley and nutmeg, then simmered until perfectly cooked. They are a traditional and hearty side dish, excellent for soaking up sauces from roasts or stews.
1 hr 10 min 295 kcaldessert
Ukrainian Paska Bread
Paska is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, often enriched with eggs, butter, and a touch of sweetness. It's a symbolic centerpiece for the holiday table, soft and fragrant with a slightly sweet crumb. This recipe yields a beautiful, golden-brown loaf perfect for sharing.
5 hr 45 min 492 kcalsnack
Corn Fritters
These crispy corn fritters are a delightful snack or light meal, packed with the sweet flavor of corn and a hint of spice. They are quick to prepare and fry up beautifully golden brown.
25 min 277 kcalmain course
Choucroute Garnie
This hearty French dish features sauerkraut braised with white wine, spices, and various cuts of pork. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a cold evening. Serve with boiled potatoes and mustard.
3 hr 30 min 1,037 kcaldinner
Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie
This comforting vegan shepherd's pie features a savory lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It's a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner.
1 hr 15 min 369 kcaldessert
Palačinke (Balkan Crêpes)
These thin, tender Balkan-style crêpes are a delightful dessert or snack. They are versatile and can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, though traditionally enjoyed with jam or chocolate spread. This recipe yields light and airy crêpes perfect for any occasion.
1 hr 10 min 607 kcalmain course
Ayam Percik
Ayam Percik is a traditional Malaysian grilled chicken dish, marinated in a rich, spicy, and creamy coconut milk sauce. The chicken is basted continuously with the sauce as it cooks, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a beautifully charred exterior. It's a popular dish often served with rice.
1 hr 10 min 711 kcal