High Protein Thit Kho (Vietnamese Braised Pork and Eggs)

Elevate your traditional comfort food with this High Protein Thit Kho (Vietnamese Braised Pork and Eggs) recipe—a savory-sweet Vietnamese classic made even more satisfying. Featuring tender, caramelized pork belly simmered in rich coconut water and perfectly infused hard-boiled eggs, this dish balances deep umami flavors with a subtle hint of sweetness. The slow braising technique allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the eggs soak up the flavorful sauce. Aromatic shallots, garlic, and fish sauce take center stage, with a touch of soy sauce and a caramel base adding complexity. Garnished with fresh scallions and optional red chili for a pop of color and heat, this dish pairs beautifully with steaming jasmine rice. It's a protein-packed, meal-prep-friendly delight that's perfect for cozy family dinners or meal planning.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams pork belly
• 6 pieces large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons shallots (minced)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 4 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 400 milliliters coconut water
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons scallion (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 piece red chili (sliced, optional)

Directions

Step 1

1. In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and carefully add the eggs. Boil for 8-10 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Peel the eggs and set aside.

Step 2

2. Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir continuously until it melts and turns into a golden caramel (be careful not to burn it).

Step 4

4. Add the minced shallots and garlic to the caramel and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

5. Add the pork belly to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the caramel mixture. Sear the pork on all sides for about 5 minutes.

Step 6

6. Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and coconut water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the pork simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

8. After 45 minutes, add the boiled eggs to the pot. Spoon the sauce over the eggs and continue simmering for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the eggs to absorb the flavors.

Step 9

9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or black pepper if needed.

Step 10

10. Serve the Thit Kho over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with chopped scallions and sliced red chili if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1381.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3471.3

Total Fat 322.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 109.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 1476mg	0%
Sodium 6815.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 60.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g	0%
Total Sugars 45.1g
Protein 91.6g	0%

Vitamin D 240IU	0%
Calcium 355.4mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 2464.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.6%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 6.9%