Thit Kho – Vietnamese Braised Pork and Egg

About this thit kho recipe.

As soon as once more I travelled to Leeds to my daughter’s home to learn to put together some wonderful Vietnamese meals from her Vietnamese room mate Lucy. Lucy is from southern Vietnam and in addition a really proficient chef.

It is nice to go to Vietnam and attempt to choose up just a few recipes as I’ve finished previously, however studying how one can make dishes like Thit Kho from Lucy has been an actual eye-opener. She would not use any cookbooks or notes. This thit kho and different recipes simply appear to return collectively, the best way she has made them for a few years.

What’s Thit Kho?

Thịt Kho Tàu (pronounced “tit-kaw”) is a southern Vietnamese dish made by braising pork stomach in a caramelized sugar base with coconut water, fish sauce, and boiled eggs. The identify loosely interprets to “braised pork,” with Tàu typically interpreted as a reference to Chinese language affect. It’s also also known as Thit kho trung which is similar dish with a unique identify.

This dish strikes a lovely steadiness of salty, candy, and umami flavors, all gently infused into tender chunks of pork and soft-boiled eggs. It’s usually served over steamed jasmine rice and accompanied by pickled greens or contemporary greens to chop by means of the richness.

Substances

There aren’t a number of components in thit kho. Lucy determined to make it further particular utilizing quail eggs however you could possibly use about 6 rooster eggs and delicate boil them in case you discover it tough to get quail eggs.

• Pork stomach
• Quail eggs (or substitute rooster eggs)
• Sugar
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Shallot
• Spur chilli (non-compulsory)
• Coconut water

See recipe card for portions.

Step-by-step images

Take a look at these step-by-step images and comply with alongside. You might be in your strategy to one of the scrumptious Vietnamese recipes. Thit kho is wonderful!

1. Step 1: Carry a pot of water to a boil after which add the pork stomach items.

2. Step 2: Boil the meat for five minutes and skim off any foam that rises to the highest.

Thit Kho is greater than only a dish.

Thịt Kho isn’t simply meals—it’s tradition in a bowl. Lucy tells me that In Vietnamese households, particularly within the south, it’s a dish tied to household, celebration, and remembrance. Throughout Lunar New 12 months, it’s typically ready as an providing to ancestors, served alongside rice and fruit on household altars.

Even outdoors of the vacation, Thịt Kho is a dish that claims “residence.” It’s what Vietnamese moms pack in lunchboxes, what grandparents ladle out with care, what children keep in mind as a style of consolation and custom.

Variations

Whereas conventional Thịt Kho sticks to pork stomach, eggs, and coconut water, don’t be afraid to experiment when you’ve mastered the fundamentals:

• Pork shoulder – Historically pork stomach is used however you can even use pork shoulder or a mixture of each for a leaner possibility.
• Infusing Flavour – Infuse with lemongrass or star anise for a aromatic twist.
• Vegetarian – Attempt it with tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian take (utilizing mushroom soy sauce rather than fish sauce).

Gear

A big pot or two: You actually solely want one giant pot to make thit kho. The eggs will be ready a day or so earlier than placing the dish collectively. If you wish to cook dinner all of it on the similar time, you will want two pots. One to cook dinner the eggs and the opposite for braising the pork within the sauce.

A spoon or chopsticks: These will turn out to be useful when making ready the caramelised sugar. You want to get proper in there and stir to make sure it caramelises and would not burn.

Storage

Thit kho shops and reheats fantastically. In truth it typically tasting even higher the following day. This is how one can deal with leftovers safely and deliciously:

• Fridge:
  Retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 4–5 days. The salt and sugar content material within the sauce helps protect it a bit longer than different dishes.
• Freezer:
  Thịt Kho additionally freezes nicely. Retailer in a freezer-safe container or bag for as much as 3 months. For greatest outcomes, freeze the pork and sauce collectively; you’ll be able to embody the eggs, however notice that their texture might change barely upon thawing.

How do you reheat thit kho tau?

Stovetop: One of the best ways to reheat thit kho is in a pan on the stovetop. Do do that, add a splash of coconut water or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened within the fridge. Reheat over a medium warmth for about 10 to fifteen minutes or till sizzling.

Microwave: Place in a microwave protected container and partially cowl to stop splattering. Warmth in a single minute intervals, stirring till it’s heated by means of.

Is Thit Kho fast and simple to make?

Thịt Kho shouldn’t be a 30-minute meal. It’s gradual, intentional cooking, the type of dish that asks you to take your time, similar to the generations of Vietnamese cooks earlier than you. However while you raise the lid after hours of simmering and see golden pork glistening in its sweet-savory sauce, you’ll comprehend it was price each minute.

When it comes to problem, it is actually fairly simple. The one factor it is advisable be actually cautious about is caramelising the sugar. Do this slowly over a low to medium warmth. It would slowly flip a golden brown however can in a short time blacken and burn. Watch it intently and do not let that occur.