Vietnamese Caramelized Pork

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Pork belly or pork shoulder: 2 pounds (900 grams)
2. Caramel sugar or brown sugar: 1/3 cup
3. Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
4. Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
5. Garlic: 5 cloves, crushed
6. Red chili peppers: 3-4, depending on desired heat level, sliced
7. Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil): to Garnish

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (slow cooking)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty, requires slow cooking)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a shallow dish, combine caramel sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and crushed garlic. Mix well.
2. Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes and add to the caramel mixture. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Transfer the pork and its marinate into a slow cooker or a baking dish. Add the chili peppers.
5. Cover and slow cook for 2-3 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce is thick and caramelized.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: 500-600, Protein: 35-45g, Fat: 25-35g, Carbohydrates: 25-35g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and sweet with a balance of salty and spicy flavors.
• The pork is tender and falls-off-the-bone when cooked slowly.
• Caramelized sauce is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors with American palates.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was amazing! The caramelized sauce was so flavorful and the pork was so tender."
2. "I love the balance of flavors in this dish - sweet, salty, and spicy all at once."
3. "This is a great dish for a family gathering. Everyone loved it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Marinating the pork overnight will enhance the flavor.
• Adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the chili peppers.
• Slow cooking is essential for tender pork and a good caramelized sauce. Be patient!