Vegetarian Thit Kho (Vietnamese Braised Pork and Eggs)

Indulge in the comforting, plant-based twist on a Vietnamese classic with this Vegetarian Thit Kho (Vietnamese Braised Pork and Eggs). This flavorful recipe swaps out traditional pork with golden-fried tofu and a savory vegetarian pork alternative, then simmers them in a rich, caramelized sauce made from coconut water, soy sauce, and a hint of star anise. Hard-boiled eggs soak up the deep umami flavors, creating a satisfying and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Perfect for both vegetarians and fans of Vietnamese cuisine, this dish delivers all the sweet-salty goodness of the original, while showcasing creative and accessible meat-free ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g Firm tofu
• 250 g Vegetarian pork alternative (e.g., plant-based seitan or soy protein)
• 500 ml Coconut water
• 4 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Vegetarian fish sauce
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 stalks Scallions, chopped
• 4 Hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 2 Star anise
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp Cooking oil
• 250 ml Water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Using the same pan, add another tablespoon of cooking oil and sauté the minced garlic and half of the chopped scallions until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the vegetarian pork alternative to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 5

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the mixture and stir continuously until it melts and caramelizes, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.

Step 6

Pour in the coconut water and water, stirring to deglaze the pan and dissolve the caramelized sugar.

Step 7

Add the soy sauce, vegetarian fish sauce, and star anise. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and carefully add the fried tofu cubes and hard-boiled eggs into the pan. Spoon some of the broth over them to ensure they are coated in the sauce.

Step 9

Cover and let simmer for 30-35 minutes, allowing the tofu and eggs to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional soy sauce or sugar if needed.

Step 10

Sprinkle in ground black pepper and the remaining chopped scallions. Give it a gentle stir and remove from heat.

Step 11

Serve hot over steamed white rice, garnished with extra scallions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1816.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1508.5

Total Fat 81.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 5176.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 97.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.6g	0%
Total Sugars 51.0g
Protein 127.1g	0%

Vitamin D 176IU	0%
Calcium 1146.2mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 3167.2mg	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: 45.0%

Protein: 31.1%

Carbs: 23.8%