This Vietnamese caramelized pork recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Succulent pork pieces are cooked in a caramel sauce infused with garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice. The result is tender and juicy pork with a rich, sticky glaze. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice and is an excellent option for a quick and satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can easily recreate the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork (shoulder or loin), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Spring onions and chili flakes (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, black pepper, and water. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork slices to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce mixture over the pork.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork evenly.
- Garnish with spring onions and chili flakes.
- Serve the caramelized pork over steamed rice and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Caramelized pork is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known as Thịt Kho in Vietnamese.
The caramel sauce gives the pork a beautiful deep golden color and adds a rich, sweet flavor.
This dish is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings in Vietnam.
The combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice creates a balanced umami taste in the sauce.
You can adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference.