Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your kitchen into a Vietnamese culinary paradise! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly bathed in a rich, caramelized sauce with an unexpected secret ingredient - Coca Cola. This isn't just another pork recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your cooking and tantalize your taste buds with an incredible blend of sweet, savory, and umami that will make your family and friends beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork belly, cut into cubes
- 1 can Coca Cola
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 boiled eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pork belly by cutting it into even 2-inch cubes, ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Coca Cola, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sliced onion, and black pepper to create a rich marinade.
- Add the pork belly cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Transfer the marinated pork and all marinade into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer slowly for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using boiled eggs, add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing them to absorb the rich, caramelized sauce.
- Check the meat's tenderness periodically. The pork should become very soft and easily break apart when pressed with a spoon.
- Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, and the pork is tender, remove from heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Use pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Marination is key: Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible, to maximize flavor absorption.
- Low and slow is the golden rule: Simmer the dish on low heat to ensure the meat becomes incredibly tender and the sauce develops a rich, deep caramelization.
- Don't rush the reduction: Let the sauce naturally thicken and concentrate its flavors by maintaining a gentle simmer.
- Optional egg hack: Adding boiled eggs in the last 30 minutes allows them to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an extra flavor dimension.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and meat to become even more tender.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the incredible sauce and balance the rich meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 908kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 74g
Fat: 63g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 293mg
