Recipe for Braised Pork and Eggs (Thit Kho Tau)

Thit Kho Tau combines tender pork, hard-boiled eggs, and a caramelized sauce made with coconut juice, soy sauce, and fish sauce. This Vietnamese dish delivers bold, comforting flavors and pairs perfectly with rice. Here’s how it’s made.

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Braised Pork and Eggs (Thịt Kho Tàu)

Thịt Kho Tàu is a beloved Vietnamese comfort food featuring tender pork, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich caramelized sauce infused with coconut water, fish sauce, and soy sauce.

This dish boasts a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a meal that is sure to satisfy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 4 People

Calories 451 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Medium saucepan (for boiling eggs)
• Tongs
• Ladle
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Pork belly or pork shoulder (cut into 2-inch chunks)
• 4 Large egg (hard-boiled and peeled)
• ⅓ Cup Coconut water (or water)
• 3 Tbsp Fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp Sugar (preferably palm sugar)
• ½ Tsp Salt
• ¼ Tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Small shallot (minced)
• ½ Tsp Paprika (optional, for color)
• 1-2 Red chilies (sliced optional, for heat)
• 2 Tbsp Cooking oil

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Pork

  Rinse the pork thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut into even-sized chunks for even cooking.
  
• Make Caramel Sauce

  Heat 2 tbsp of sugar in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it melts and turns golden brown. Carefully add 2 tbsp of water and stir until smooth. Be cautious as it may splatter.
  
• Sear the Pork

  Add the pork chunks to the caramel sauce, turning to coat each piece. Allow the meat to brown slightly for about 5 minutes.
  
• Add Aromatics

  Stir in the minced garlic and shallots, cooking until fragrant.
  
• Simmer the Dish

  Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, coconut water, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  
• Cook the Eggs

  While the pork simmers, boil the eggs in a separate saucepan. Once done, transfer to an ice bath to cool before peeling. Set aside.
  
• Add the Eggs

  After 45 minutes, add the peeled eggs and chilies (if using) to the pot. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens and the flavors deepen.
  
• Final Adjustments

  Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more fish sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
  
• Serve

  Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with additional chili slices or fresh herbs if desired.
  

Video

Notes

• Coconut Water: Adds a subtle sweetness; substitute with water if unavailable.
• Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the pork in fish sauce and pepper for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Egg Prep: To avoid cracked eggs, let them cool in an ice bath after boiling before peeling.
• Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce it to a glaze-like consistency.

Keyword Easy Recipe, Rice Dish, Umami, Vietnamese Cuisine

Best Side Dishes for Thit Kho Tau

Pairing Thit Kho Tau with the right side dishes enhances the flavors and makes the meal more balanced. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve:

Steamed Jasmine Rice

This is an essential pairing. The soft, fragrant grains soak up the rich, caramelized sauce, making every bite deeply satisfying. Rice balances the bold flavors of the pork and eggs, grounding the dish in simplicity.

Pickled Vegetables

Tangy pickles, such as carrots and daikon, bring a sharp contrast to the dish’s rich flavors. Their crunchy texture and acidic kick brighten the meal and keep it refreshing.

Cucumber Slices

Fresh cucumber adds a light, crisp element that cuts through the richness of the pork. Served alongside the dish, it provides a cooling balance to every bite.

Stir-Fried Greens

Garlic stir-fried water spinach, bok choy, or mustard greens add a flavorful and nutritious side. Their savory notes and tender texture complement the caramelized sauce beautifully.

Simple Herb Salad

A light herb salad with mint, cilantro, and basil adds brightness and a hint of freshness. A squeeze of lime juice over the salad enhances its vibrant flavor.

Tips for Perfecting the Sauce

The sauce is the centerpiece of Thit Kho Tau, bringing together sweet, savory, and rich flavors that define the dish. Getting it just right takes attention to detail and a few key techniques.

Achieve Perfect Caramelization

Caramelizing sugar sets the foundation of the sauce. Heat the sugar slowly over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden brown. Stir gently and remove it from heat before it darkens too much to avoid bitterness.

Balance the Sweet and Salty Flavors

Combine fish sauce, soy sauce, and coconut juice in the right proportions. Taste the mixture as you go, ensuring that neither the sweetness nor the saltiness dominates. Adjust by adding a small amount of sugar or a splash of fish sauce as needed.

Simmer for Depth

Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to thicken and develop a deep, rich flavor. This process helps the sauce fully infuse the pork and eggs, making every bite flavorful.

Skim Off Excess Fat

As the sauce cooks, fat from the pork may rise to the surface. Skim it off with a ladle for a cleaner and more balanced finish.

Don’t Rush the Reduction

Patience is key when reducing the sauce. Let it thicken gradually to achieve a consistency that clings to the pork and eggs without becoming overly sticky or dense.

How to Store and Reheat Thit Kho Tau

Proper storage and reheating are essential for maintaining the flavor and texture of Thit Kho Tau. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Store in an Airtight Container

Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers without losing quality.

Reheat Slowly on the Stove

Place the leftovers in a pot and warm them over low heat. Add a small amount of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This method keeps the pork tender and the eggs intact.

Avoid Using the Microwave

Reheating in the microwave can dry out the pork and make the eggs rubbery. Stick to the stove for the best results.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store it longer, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove when ready to serve.

Last Words

Thit Kho Tau offers bold flavor, rich sauce, and satisfying simplicity. Every step, from caramelizing the sugar to simmering the pork and eggs, makes it a meal worth savoring. With the right sides and proper care in preparation, it becomes a dish you’ll want to return to time and again. Thank you for letting me present this to you.

If you prefer Asian cuisine, be sure to check out our recipe for Steak with Kimchi-Fried Rice and Egg.