Pork Belly Braised in Fermented Shrimp Paste – A Signature Vietnamese Dish
Pork belly braised in fermented shrimp paste is a signature dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its robust flavors, rich taste, and the distinctive aroma of the shrimp paste. This mouthwatering dish goes exceptionally well with rice and is perfect for a family meal. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare this delicious dish to perfection.
Pork Belly Braised in Fermented Shrimp Paste
Ingredients
Pork belly: 300g
Fermented shrimp paste: 2 tablespoons
Shallots: 2 bulbs
Garlic: 1 clove
Lemongrass: 1 stalk
Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, ground pepper, cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Pork belly: Wash the pork belly with diluted salt water to remove any unpleasant odors, then rinse it with clean water and pat it dry. Cut the pork into thin, bite-sized slices, approximately 0.5 cm thick.
Shallots, garlic, and lemongrass: Peel and finely chop these ingredients to infuse the dish with their aromatic flavors.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a pan on the stove and heat it up without adding any oil. Add the pork belly slices and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the meat turns golden brown on all sides.
Once the meat has developed a nice crust, remove excess fat from the pan if there is too much.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the pork to one side of the pan and add a little cooking oil if needed. Toss in the chopped shallots, garlic, and lemongrass, and sauté until fragrant.
Step 4: Braise the Pork with Fermented Shrimp Paste
Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of fermented shrimp paste to the pan, stirring to coat the pork evenly. Then, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (if needed) to balance the salty and sweet flavors. Continue stirring to ensure the meat absorbs the seasonings.
Braise the pork for about 5 minutes over low heat until the shrimp paste thickens, and the meat takes on a beautiful golden-brown color and an irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle some ground pepper on top to enhance the flavor. Turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving plate.
Tip for an Even Tastier Dish
Choose high-quality fermented shrimp paste to ensure a delicious flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Cook the pork over medium to low heat to allow it to cook slowly and prevent it from drying out or burning.
Add a bit of chopped chili (optional) for a mild spicy kick to suit your family’s taste.
The final dish will tantalize your senses with its alluring aroma, appealing color, and savory taste. Serve it with hot steamed rice, and your family is sure to love it! Give it a try!
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