
"Sweet Pork" A classic Thai dish beloved by many for its balanced sweet flavor, fragrant palm sugar aroma, and tender pork that melts in the mouth. It pairs perfectly with hot steamed rice, rice porridge, or as a side to shrimp paste fried rice. For those craving a taste reminiscent of home-cooked meals, today we have the recipe for sweet pork. An easy homemade recipe with tips for tender pork and an appetizing color, guaranteed to be delicious and simple to follow.
Choosing quality ingredients is key to delicious flavor and good texture. The following components should be prepared:
1. 300 grams of pork belly (if you prefer less fat, use a mix of pork collar and pork belly).
2. 3-4 tablespoons of palm sugar or gula melaka (provides balanced sweetness and a more fragrant aroma than regular sugar).
3. 5-6 shallots, thinly sliced.
4. 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
5. 1 tablespoon of fish sauce.
6. 1/2 tablespoon of sweet dark soy sauce (used to enhance color and appeal).
7. 1/2 cup of water or broth.
8. 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Once all ingredients are ready, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the pork by washing and drying pork belly or collar, then cut into bite-sized pieces about 1 centimeter thick to allow seasoning to penetrate well.Tip for extra tenderness:Remove the pork skin.
2. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a little vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced shallots until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add palm sugar to the pan and stir with the shallots until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize to a deep amber color. Be careful not to use too high heat to avoid burning the sugar, which would cause bitterness.
4. Add the prepared pork and stir to coat it evenly with the caramelized sugar as the pork begins to cook and change color.
5. Pour in water or broth, season with light soy sauce, fish sauce, and sweet dark soy sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
6. When the pork is tender, uncover and continue simmering until the liquid reduces and thickens into a glossy sauce that coats the pork beautifully. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
How to make sweet pork Cooking this dish at home not only ensures a taste you love but also lets you control ingredient quality and sweetness levels. It’s a staple dish that impresses every time you make it.