Recipe

Braised Pork Belly in Caramel Sauce

Caramelized Delight: A Flavorful Twist on Braised Pork Belly

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this authentic recipe for Braised Pork Belly in Caramel Sauce. This dish showcases the perfect balance of sweet and savory, tender pork belly simmered in a caramelized sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Meat Dish› Pork Dish› Thịt kho tàu

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Vietnamese cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

2 hours

Total time

2 hours and 15 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Pescatarian, Halal

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) pork belly, skin on 500g (1.1 lb) pork belly, skin on
3 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fish sauce 3 tablespoons fish sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, thinly sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
250ml (1 cup) water 250ml (1 cup) water

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 10g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
Protein: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook until it melts and turns golden brown.
2.
Add the garlic and shallots to the pot and cook until fragrant.
3.
Carefully add the pork belly to the pot, skin side down, and sear until browned.
4.
Flip the pork belly and add the fish sauce, black pepper, and water to the pot. Stir to combine.
5.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6.
Remove the pork belly from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7.
Serve the Braised Pork Belly in Caramel Sauce with steamed jasmine rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pork belly — Make sure to choose pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. The skin-on pork belly will add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork belly in the caramel sauce overnight before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the dish uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Braised Pork Belly in Caramel Sauce with steamed jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced pork belly on a plate, drizzle some of the caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice.