Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb pork belly, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sugar and water and cook until the sugar has dissolved and turned into a caramel, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, scallions, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the pork back to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork is cooked through.
8. If using, add the sliced chili to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. Serve hot with rice.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the pork
- Low heat for simmering the pork in the sauce
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 2200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with pork shoulder or pork loin
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Red chili can be substituted with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the skillet for added flavor and texture
- Use chicken or beef instead of pork
- Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds as a garnish
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the sugar has fully dissolved before adding the other ingredients to the skillet
- Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent the caramel from sticking to the bottom
- Let the pork simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked and tender
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pork in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pork in a bowl with rice and steamed vegetables on the side
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped peanuts
- Sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Spring rolls
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel is too thick or burnt, start over with fresh sugar and water
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork is fully cooked before serving
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days
Food history:
- Vietnamese caramel pork is a traditional dish in Vietnamese cuisine and is often served with rice or noodles
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and savory with a hint of spice
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice and steamed vegetables on the side
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Vietnamese
Taste: Savory, Sweet, Salty, Umami, Caramelized