fish sauce caramel

Thịt Kho Trứng (Braised Pork Belly & Eggs)




Thịt Kho Trứng (Braised Pork Belly & Eggs)
Author Chef Tu David Phu
Prep time
30 Min
Cook time
1 Hour
Total time
1 H & 30 M

Thịt Kho Trứng (Braised Pork Belly & Eggs)

There's nothing better than this sweet, sticky, caramelized outside, creamy eggy centered 'Thit Kho Trung' served over rice. I mean, honestly, is there anything an egg can't crack? Eggs are incredibly versatile, as seen in this recipe. Thịt Kho Trứng (Caramelized pork and eggs) is a national Vietnamese dish, often referred to as “Vietnamese Soul Food,” traditionally consumed during the Vietnamese New Year, symbolizing goodness and happiness for the year ahead. But more importantly, this dish carries great significance for Diasporic Vietnamese in the international community abroad. The suggestion of (eating, cooking, or serving) Thịt Kho Trứng implies family affection. Nothing states “Vietnamese family” (to me) more than Thịt Kho Trứng (Caramelized pork and eggs). And the best part of this egg recipe is extremely accessible; its low cost, low mess, low prep, and low maintenance. Create your own egg-tastic recipe and tag #CrackItWithAnEgg to show us your skills!

Ingredients

Ingredients

Instructions

Blanche Pork Belly
  1. Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil.
  2. Season the pot of water with 1 tbsp. of Kosher salt.
  3. Add the fresh, cubed pork belly to the pot.
  4. Bring the pot to a simmer. And allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Strain and remove the blanched pork belly from the pot.
  6. Set aside.
Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Eggs
  1. Place eggs into Air Fryer Basket.
  2. Set Air Fryer to 300F for 9 minutes. *non-preheated*
  3. After 9 minutes, remove the eggs from the Air Fryer and add them to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
  4. Peel the eggs under running water. (tip: use a spoon)
  5. Set aside.
Make a Pan Caramel
  1. Preheat a wide-based, heavy bottom pot (stainless steel) on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add a few drops of water to the pot. If the drops evaporate upon contact with the pan, add 2 tbsp. of cooking oil to the pan.
  3. Pour ½ cup of organic cane sugar into preheated hot Gently swirl the pot over medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved. (5-10 minutes)
  4. Gently swirl the pot over medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved. (5-10 minutes)
  5. Check the caramel temperature.
  6. Swirl gently until the temperature reaches 380℉ (Dark Caramel).
  7. Turn the heat down to medium.
  8. Immediately add the blanched pork belly.
  9. Add 1 tbsp. of coarsely cracked black peppercorns.
Braise the pork
  1. Continue to cook the blanched pork belly in the fish sauce caramel until all sides of the pork belly have caramelized. (15 minutes)
  2. Add ¼ cup of Son Fish Sauce, 2 tbsp of minced garlic, and 1 tbsp. of minced ginger and a jalapeno split lengthwise.
  3. Add the soft-boiled eggs.
  4. Add 8 fl oz. of coconut water.
  5. Bring the pot up to simmer.
  6. Braise the pork for 45 minutes. (reduce about 30% of liquid volume)
  7. Garnish the pot with scallions.
Assemble
  1. Transfer to a shallow bowl for serving.
  2. Serve with rice.
  3. Invite diners to halve the eggs themselves

Notes

Disclaimer:

Eggs should be cooked until the center reaches 160℉.


Subsitutues:

You can use pork shoulder in place of pork belly. (exact same ratios)

Soy sauce can be used in place of fish sauce. (exact same ratios)

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Barbecued Eel w/ Fish Sauce Caramel [Cá Khô Lươn Nướng]

Unagi Kabayaki

Unagi Kabayaki


Considering that Eel is a (juicy, firm, and white-flesh) fish, it’s usually prepared in a soup or a braise. Grilling Eel adds a nice smokey element that makes it extremely umami. But no need to worry, I’ve provided a few traditional Japanese recipes from my friends at American Unagi.

Unlike any other, American Unagi eels are exclusively ethically sourced and sustainably raised in Maine. As a James Beard Smart Catch Leader, I highly recommend this product.


bbq, yakatori, eel, fish sauce, caramel, smoked, grilled, asian bbq, vietnamese chef, umami, sushi, sashimi, japan
bbq
Japanese
Yield: 4
Author: Chef Tu David Phu
Barbecued Eel w/ Fish Sauce Caramel [Cá Khô Lươn Nướng]

Barbecued Eel w/ Fish Sauce Caramel [Cá Khô Lươn Nướng]

Vietnam has a long romance with Eel. It’s a staple ingredient in Vietnamese Cuisine. And is found scattered across legendary Vietnamese dining Institutions. [I.E., Miến Lươn (Eel Glass Noodle Soup), Lươn Xào Sả Ớt (Lemongrass Curry Eel Stir Fry)]. Considering that Eel is a (juicy, firm, and white-flesh) fish, it’s usually prepared in a soup or a braise. My favorite Eel preparation is Cá Khô Lươn Nướng, a similar preparation to Unagi Kabayaki. However, instead of shoyu and sugar, artisanal 2-year aged @sonfishsauce caramel is used. And grilling it adds a nice smokey element that makes it extremely umami.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 20 MinInactive time: 15 MinTotal time: 50 Min

Ingredients

Fish Sauce Caramel

Instructions

Unagi [Eel]
  1. 1 lb., Thawed Butterflied American Unagi
Fish Sauce Caramel
  1. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, add 1/2 cup of coconut sugar and 1/4 cup of water.
  2. Bring saucepan to a boil.
  3. Allow it to boil, undisturbed on low heat until a deep amber caramel color forms, about 20 minutes.
  4. Take the pan off the heat.
  5. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of Fish Sauce
  6. Put the saucepan back on medium heat.
  7. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of water
  8. Add 1 tbsp of minced ginger, 1 tbsp of Rice Vinegar, and 1 tsp of coarsely cracked black pepper
  9. Bring the saucepan to a simmer.
  10. Take the pan off the heat. And allow cooling to ambient temperature.
Marinate Unagi [Eel] Skewers
  1. Cut the thawed Unagi into 2" square filets 
  2. Skewer the Unagi filets in between the flesh and skin 
  3. Dip the skewered Unagi into the Fish Sauce Caramel
  4. Drench the Fish Sauce Caramel on both sides of the filet. 
  5. Allow the Unagi Skewers to marinate in the Fish Sauce Carmel.
Grill Unagi Skewers
  1. On a preheated charcoal grill [450 F] grill the Unagi skewers for 2 minutes on each side.

Notes:

Frozen Butterflied Eel Filets $35

Use ‘UNAGICHEFTU’ for an additional 10% off at check out.

Free Shipping on orders over $100

  • Each fillet is 4-6oz.
  • Each Pack is 1 lb.
  • Each pack has 3-4 fillets.


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