# Thịt Kho Tiêu | Vietnamese Caramelized Pork with Black Pepper

A classic Vietnamese dish of tender pork shoulder braised in a glossy, savory-sweet caramelized sauce with black pepper and coconut water.

- Servings: 4 servings
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 2.2 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup shallots, finely minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 tsp msg
- 1 tsp kosher salt (optional)
- 1 tbsp black pepper, coarsely cracked
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp sugar, for caramel
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1-1 1/2 tsp black pepper, cracked, to finish
- 1/3 cup scallions, sliced
- red chile, sliced (optional)

## Instructions

1. Combine pork with fish sauce, sugar, MSG, salt, shallots, garlic, and black pepper. Marinate for 30–60 minutes.
2. Heat oil and 2 tbsp sugar over medium-low heat until the sugar melts into a deep amber caramel.
3. Add the pork and cook over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring until coated and lightly browned.
4. Add coconut water, bring to a simmer, partially cover, and braise over medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes.
5. Uncover and cook another 10–15 minutes until the sauce reduces into a dark, glossy glaze.
6. Finish with more cracked black pepper, scallions, and sliced chile. Serve hot with steamed rice.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd6nwLsS-fO/?xtok=bGJ2NzhuN2RzN3Q1
- Creator: David Nguyen
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/e768fe0c-1c09-44ca-ba34-d10cf585559f
- Extracted: 2026-10-12

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt