Thit Kho Tau Coca Cola Coke Soda Recipe

As I stood over the sizzling pot, the aromas of caramelizing pork belly and hints of coconut mingled in the air, promising a culinary adventure I couldn’t wait to share. With each ingredient adding its own flair, I was about to craft a dish that blends comfort with an unexpected twist, taking my taste buds on the ride of a lifetime. Let’s dive into this savory symphony of flavors known as Thit Kho Tau.

Thit Kho Tau with Coca Cola presents a delightful take on a classic dish that I cherish. The sweetness of the soft drink combines with savory elements like fish sauce and soy sauce to give the pork belly an unctuous coating and a rich flavor.

A little splash of coconut water—dry as well as wet coconuts are found along the Mekong River in southern Vietnam—adds a depth that is very subtle and very delicious.

Thit Kho Tau Coca Cola Coke Soda Recipe Ingredients

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Pork belly: Rich in protein and fat, offers a tender texture.

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Coca Cola: Adds sweetness and a caramelized depth to the dish.

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Coconut water: Provides subtle sweetness while tenderizing the meat.

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Fish sauce: Contributes umami flavor enhancing the dish’s savoriness.

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Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, enriching the flavor profile.

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Onion: Sweetens upon cooking, adding a savory base layer.

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Black pepper: Introduces mild heat, balancing sweetness.

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Eggs: High in protein, absorb flavors from the broth.

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Red chili: Delivers a spice kick, enhancing the dish’s complexity.

Thit Kho Tau Coca Cola Coke Soda Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 can (12 oz) Coca Cola
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Thit Kho Tau Coca Cola Coke Soda Recipe

1. In a large pot, medium heat, the vegetable oil is hot. In it, the pork belly cubes are added and seared until all sides are brown.

2. Take the pork out of the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, put the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté them until the onion is see-through and the garlic smells divine.

3. Put the pork back in the pot and stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce, coating the meat thoroughly.

4. Add the Coca Cola and coconut water, mixing them together nicely. Heat the blend to boiling.

5. After the water has reached a rolling boil, decrease the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pot with a lid. Let the pork and water mixture sit on the low heat for about 1 hour, or until the pork is very tender.

6. Stir from time to time, and taste for salt and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

7. Place the pot’s lid back on and let the eggs absorb the flavors for another 10 minutes. Yes, you can kind of control how much flavor the eggs get by how long you let them just sit there absorbing.

8. Should the sauce be too thin, take off the lid and allow it to simmer until the consistency you desire is reached.

9. After cooking, sprinkle with chopped green onions and, if desired, sliced red chili.

10. Serve the Thit Kho Tau with fluffy steamed rice for a truly amazing meal that bursts with flavor.

Thit Kho Tau Coca Cola Coke Soda Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Stove
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cup
8. Ladle
9. Small bowl (for seasoning adjustments)
10. Serving plate or bowl

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly?Pork shoulder or pork butt is a leaner option for pork recipes, but pork belly is a more traditional and flavorful choice for the dulce de leche and a richer soufflé.
• Is it necessary to use Coke in this recipe?You can use other sweetened drinks for the Coke, which contributes sweetness and caramelization to this recipe. Sweetened drinks like root beer and Dr. Pepper work well.
• Can I make Thit Kho Tau without coconut water?Coconut water not only adds subtle sweetness; it also adds depth. If you don’t have any, use regular water or chicken broth.
• How long should I cook the pork to make it tender?Cook the pork in a saucepan over low heat for 60-75 minutes, at least, to achieve tenderness and a blending of flavors.
• Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this dish?This recipe can also be made in a vegetarian version using mushrooms or tofu as a base.
• How do I store leftovers of Thit Kho Tau?Keep uneaten portions in a thoroughly sealed container in the cold storage of your refrigerator. They should be consumed within the next 3 days. When you wish to eat them, you should warm them back up in a microwave or on the stovetop.
• What can I serve with this dish?Thit Kho Tau is generally plated alongside steamed jasmine rice and a portion of fresh vegetables like cucumbers or pickled varieties.

Thit Kho Tau Coca Cola Coke Soda Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Canola oil or sunflower oil may be used in place of vegetable oil.
Fish sauce: Use soy sauce or tamari for a less potent flavor.
Chicken broth or water: Use in place of coconut water for a different base flavor.
Substitute Coca Cola with another sweet soda such as ginger ale or Dr Pepper.
To make hard-boiled eggs, use tofu to create a vegetarian alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Pork Belly Before searing the pork belly, consider marinating it in a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a little bit of garlic for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and allow it to absorb more of the savory notes.

2. Caramelization Technique Instead of just searing the pork in vegetable oil, you can create a caramel base. Melt a tablespoon of sugar in the oil until it caramelizes and turns golden brown, then add the pork. This will give the pork an extra layer of flavor and a richer color.

3. Balance Sweetness If the Coca Cola makes the sauce too sweet for your taste, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to balance the flavors. This will introduce some acidity to cut through the sweetness.

4. Egg Preparation To enhance the eggs’ flavor, you can slightly crack the hard-boiled eggshells before adding them to the pot. This will allow the sauce to penetrate the eggs a bit more, giving them a beautifully marbled appearance.

5. Herb Infusion Tie some lemongrass stalks or kaffir lime leaves into a small bundle and add them to the pot during the simmering process. These herbs will infuse the dish with a subtle citrus aroma and take the dish to the next level of complexity.