Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam! This Thit Kho Thom (Braised Pork and Pineapple) is not just a recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork with the sweet and tangy punch of fresh pineapple. Imagine a dish so rich and complex that each bite tells a story of traditional Vietnamese cooking, guaranteed to impress your family and make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup water
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork by cutting the shoulder into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, mix fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper to create a marinade. Add the pork cubes and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor penetration.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sear the marinated pork cubes until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the seared pork and set aside. In the same pot, sauté sliced onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Return the pork to the pot and add water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let braise for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the diced pineapple to the pot. The pineapple will add sweetness and help tenderize the meat further.
- Check the pork for tenderness. The meat should be very soft and easily pulled apart with a fork. If needed, continue braising for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or black pepper as desired. The sauce should be a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The sauce will naturally thicken slightly during this time.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling, which ensures a tender and flavorful result.
- Marination is key: Don't rush the marinating process. The 30-minute rest allows the fish sauce and sugar to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Searing matters: Take time to properly brown the pork cubes. This step develops a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to the final dish.
- Low and slow is the secret: Braising requires patience. Keep the heat low and let the pork become incredibly tender.
- Pineapple timing is crucial: Add it towards the end to prevent overcooking and maintain its fresh, bright flavor.
- Let it rest: Always allow the dish to rest after cooking. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.Pro tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
