Vietnamese pork in caramel sauce (thit heo kho)

For a meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, you can’t beat this quick-and-easy Vietnamese pork in caramel sauce.

In about 30 minutes, you can have this Vietnamese-inspired sweet and spicy dish on the dinner table. There’s no need for take-out when home cooking is this easy (and delicious!). Round out the meal with a bowl of steamed rice.

Vietnamese pork in caramel sauce (thit heo kho) recipe

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds boneless pork loin
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, grated
• 2-3 small shallots, minced
• 1 Thai chili, sliced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon caramel color (optional)
• 1-2 green onions, finely sliced on the diagonal

Directions:

1. Cut the pork into large chunks and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the pieces are no longer pink.
3. Push the pork to the perimeter of the saucepan and add the garlic, ginger, shallots and Thai chili. Cook for several minutes, until softened.
4. Combine the fish sauce, sugars and black pepper in a small bowl and stir to mix.
5. Toss the pork and garlic mixture together and then pour in the fish sauce mixture. Stir to coat. Bring to a boil for a minute or two, then add the water and caramel color, if using. Adjust heat to a low simmer and then let the pork cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and the pork is cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with rice.

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