Ingredients:

• 500g pork belly

• 5–6 chicken eggs and 10 quail eggs

• 1 bowl of fresh coconut water

• 1 shallot

• 2–3 garlic cloves

• Seasonings: Sugar, fish sauce, MSG (optional), pepper, coarse salt

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Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork
Cut the pork belly into bite-sized chunks. Marinate with:

• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 1 tablespoon of ground pepper

• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil

• Minced shallot and garlic
  Let the meat absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

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Step 2: Boil the Eggs
While waiting for the pork to marinate, boil the eggs. Add a pinch of coarse salt to the water to make peeling easier and enhance flavor.
Keep the heat at medium to avoid cracking. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 7–8 minutes until the eggs are cooked.
Peel the eggs once cooled.

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Step 3: Make Caramel Sauce (Nước màu)
In a pot, add:

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• 1 tablespoon of sugar
  Heat on medium until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel color (dark amber).
  Immediately add 1 tablespoon of hot water to thin the sauce. Stir well and remove from heat.

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Step 4: Cook the Pork
Add the marinated pork to the pot with the caramel sauce. Stir until the meat is seared on all sides.
Pour in the coconut water until it just covers the meat.
Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam or scum that forms on top.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the pork becomes tender and the coconut water reduces to a rich, amber color.
Tip: Do not cover the pot while simmering — this keeps the broth clear and beautiful.

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Step 5: Add the Eggs
When the pork is slightly tender, gently add the peeled chicken and quail eggs.
Avoid adding the eggs too early, as they may turn too dark and become tough.

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Step 6: Final Touch
Taste and adjust the seasoning. The broth will now have a naturally sweet taste from the coconut water.
Add a little extra fish sauce and a sprinkle of pepper to enhance the flavor.
And just like that — you have a pot of fragrant, flavorful Thịt Kho Tàu ready to enjoy!

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Serve hot with steamed rice and pickled vegetables for an authentic Vietnamese comfort meal! 🍚🥢