How to Make: My Favorite Vietnamese Dish - Thit Kho Tieu / Black Pepper Braised Pork Belly

pork belly

🥗Healthier: pork tenderloin

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Pork tenderloin is leaner, while chicken thighs are often less expensive.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce offers a similar umami flavor, while salt is a basic alternative.

coconut water

🥗Healthier: low-sodium chicken broth

💰Cheaper: water

Chicken broth adds flavor without the sweetness of coconut water.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides sweetness with a different flavor profile.

Cut pork belly into bite-size pieces.

Make our nước màu/caramel by adding half a cup of sugar to a pot on medium-low. Stir constantly until sugar turns a dark amber color.

Brown pork belly in caramel, then add minced garlic and season with fish sauce, Thai chili, and black pepper.

Add in one cup of water, bring back up to a boil, and let it simmer covered for half an hour.

Add black pepper and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, Thai chili, and black pepper.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: