Step 1 of 6
Thịt kho trứng
Put the pork in a pan of cold water, bring it to the boil and boil for 3 minutes, then drain and rinse. This clears the scum and keeps the broth clear.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Thịt kho trứng take?
3 hr 10 min all in — 20 min prep, 2 hr 20 min cook, 30 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Dutch oven, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list salt as its own ingredient. Saltiness comes from Fish sauce — 5 tbsp (2 tbsp for the marinade, the rest for the braise). Taste at the end rather than adding a number we did not write.
How much fish sauce?
5 tbsp (2 tbsp for the marinade, the rest for the braise) of Fish sauce.
How much sugar?
3 tbsp (1 tbsp for the marinade, 2 tbsp for the caramel) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Coconut water → Water with 1 tbsp extra sugar. It works, but you lose the soft sweetness and the gloss coconut water gives the broth. Hen eggs → Duck eggs or quail eggs. Duck eggs are richer; boil them for 10 minutes. Quail eggs need 3 minutes and go in for the last 20 minutes only.
What should I watch for?
Dark caramel is very hot and spits when the meat goes in. Stand back and use a long spoon.
Any tips from this recipe?
Make it a day ahead. It improves overnight, and chilling makes the fat easy to lift off. Score the eggs lightly with a knife before they go in so the colour and flavour reach further. Serve with dưa giá: bean sprouts pickled overnight in salted water with a little vinegar, sugar and sliced carrot.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Make it a day ahead. It improves overnight, and chilling makes the fat easy to lift off. Serve with dưa giá: bean sprouts pickled overnight in salted water with a little vinegar, sugar and sliced carrot. Toss the pork with the shallot, garlic, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar and the pepper and leave for 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. Meanwhile boil the eggs for 8 minutes, cool them in cold water and peel. Taste and adjust with fish sauce or a pinch of sugar. Skim off as much fat as you like, or chill overnight and lift it off cold. Serve with rice and pickled bean sprouts or mustard greens.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.