Hue Maple Caramelized Pork

Background

Hue Maple Caramelized Pork is a modern twist on a traditional Vietnamese dish known as "Thịt kho." Originating from the beautiful and historic city of Hue in central Vietnam, this dish showcases the complex flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, combining sweet, savory, and umami. The addition of maple syrup introduces a delightful North American influence to this beloved traditional dish. For centuries, the original caramelized pork has been enjoyed as part of the Tet celebration, representing wealth and prosperity. By integrating maple syrup, the dish gains a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the pork and the aromatic spices typically used in Vietnamese cooking.

Ingredients

• Pork belly - 500g
• Maple syrup - 1/4 cup
• Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Shallots - 2, finely chopped
• Brown sugar - 2 tablespoons
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 1 cup
• Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon

Preparation

This dish requires some marination and careful caramelization to achieve the desired depth of flavor. Start by slicing the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. Mix the maple syrup, fish sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chopped shallots together in a large bowl. Add the sliced pork belly to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for more enhanced flavor.

Cooking Process

Once your pork belly is marinated, it’s time to start cooking. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated pork belly and cook until it begins to brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the meat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize, creating a glossy coating around the pork. Pour in the water and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a slow boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning, allowing the liquid to reduce to a thick, rich sauce.

Set your cooking timer for 45 to 60 minutes here.

Once finished, adjust the seasoning with a little more fish sauce or soy sauce to taste if necessary, and serve hot.

Enjoying Your Meal

Hue Maple Caramelized Pork is best served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the deliciously savory and sweet sauce. Accompany the dish with fresh sliced cucumbers or a simple Vietnamese herb salad to balance out the richness of the pork. You can also enjoy it with pickled vegetables for an added tang. Pairing the meal with a light beer or iced tea will complement its robust flavors. Relish the harmonious mix of traditional and contemporary elements as you savor each bite of the tender, caramelized pork.