| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 482 | 28g | 10g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 2g | 39g | 1.8g |
As I’m curled up by the window, watching the rain softly patter against the glass of my Seattle home, it’s dishes like Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thịt Kho Trứng with Kinh Gioi) that keep me warm. The comforting flavor of the caramelized pork paired with the soft-boiled eggs, all simmered together in a deeply satisfying sauce, is a dish that I’ve always had a special fondness for.
The Uniqueness of Thịt Kho Trứng with Kinh Gioi
One of the things that makes this Caramelized Pork and Eggs recipe truly unique is the Kinh Gioi, otherwise known as Vietnamese balm. As a Seattle native of Japanese descent, I’ve always strived to create dishes that blend my dual heritage. The addition of Kinh Gioi, an herb often used in Vietnamese cuisine, introduces an uncommon zest that sets this redolent dish apart.
The flavor profile of this dish is quite intricate despite its seeming simplicity. The intense savory qualities of the fish sauce, juxtaposed against the sweetness of caramel, create a balance that’s truly divine. On top of it all, the optional chili pepper can add a punch of heat that transcends the sweetness, leading to an incredibly well-rounded mouth experience.
Concurring Cuisine
If you’re wondering what to pair this succulent meal with, it works perfectly with a light, crisp salad, to balance out the rich, flavorful depth of the Caramelized Pork and Eggs.
Healthwise, this meal isn’t just a profusion of flavors. The pork shoulder renders a high quality of protein, while the eggs offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D and Choline. It’s important to remember that while indulging in our favorite foods, they can serve to nourish us as well.
One Pot Wonder
One thing that I truly appreciate about this recipe is the simplicity of its process. Much like a traditional Japanese nikujaga or meat and potatoes stew, it requires fairly minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. It’s a one pot wonder that creates less mess and great for those busy weekday nights when you’re strapped for time.
In the end, the blend of cultural influences in this recipe is what I find most enticing. It has a flavor profile that allows each ingredient to shine while contributing to a cohesive whole. It’s a dish that reminds me of home, of my unique dual heritage, and of the beauty of combining cuisines.
What You’ll Need
- 2.5 pounds of pork shoulder
- 12 eggs
- 1.5 cups of water
- 3/4 cup of fish sauce
- 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 bunch of Kinh Gioi (Vietnamese balm)
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the pork shoulder by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. For the eggs, hard boil them, peel off the shells, and set them aside for later.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, add the caramel sauce, minced garlic, and thinly sliced onion. Over medium heat, stir the ingredients until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the pre-cut pork shoulder into the pan and cook until the pork is thoroughly browned. This might take around 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
Add the fish sauce, water, and granulated sugar into the pan. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
Step Five
Add the hard-boiled eggs into the pan, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Keep turning the eggs every few minutes to ensure they are evenly colored.
Step Six
In another pan, heat the cooking oil on medium heat, then add the Vietnamese balm (Kinh Gioi) and optional chopped chili pepper. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, until the ingredients are well combined and the Kinh Gioi is crispy.
Step Seven
To serve, place the pork and eggs into a dish, then top them with the stir-fried Kinh Gioi and chili pepper. Be sure to ladle some sauce over the dish for added flavor. Caramelized Pork and Eggs (Thịt Kho Trứng with Kinh Gioi) is best served with hot rice. Bon Appétit!
