Thai 5-Spice Braised Pork (Moo Palo) & Banana in Coconut - Marion's Kitchen

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs reduce fat while maintaining flavor.

palm sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar offers a similar sweetness with a lower glycemic index.

five-spice powder

🥗Healthier: cumin and coriander

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Cumin and coriander provide a robust flavor profile.

hard-boiled eggs

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: quail eggs

Tofu is a plant-based alternative, while quail eggs add a gourmet touch.

Meanwhile, for the tangy chilli sauce, use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic, chillies and salt to a rough paste. Then stir through the vinegar and sugar. Set aside until ready to serve.

Soak the mushrooms in water for 30 minutes or until soft. Remove and discard the mushroom stems. Cut the mushrooms in half.

Use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic, peppercorns and salt to a rough paste.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the paste and cook for about a minute or until fragrant.

Add the Chinese five spice and cook for another 30 seconds.

Now add the pork and mix through. Cook for another minute until the pork starts to change colour.

Add the sweet dark soy sauce, sugar, fish sauce, mushrooms, radish, eggs, tofu, star anise and 4 cups of water. Bring to the boil.

Then turn the heat down to medium and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the pork is soft and tender.

Serve with steamed rice and tangy chilli sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: