Thit Kho (Caramelized Pork Belly)

1 . Stage

Slice pork belly into 1-inch pieces layered with skin, fat, and meat.

2 . Stage

Heat sugar in a large wok or pot over medium heat until it melts and caramelizes into a light brown syrup, about 5 minutes. Add pork and increase the heat to high. Cook and stir to render some of the pork fat, 3 to 5 minutes.

3 . Stage

Stir shallots and garlic into the wok. Add fish sauce and black pepper; stir until pork is evenly coated. Pour in coconut water and bring to a boil. Add hard-boiled eggs and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, checking occasionally and adding a little water if the liquid evaporates too much, until pork is tender, about 1 hour.

4 . Stage

Remove from the heat and let stand for about 10 minutes. Skim fat from the surface of the dish.