Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
Why You'll Love Making This
This dish offers a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors thanks to the five-spice blend. It’s a perfect way to enjoy tender pork with a unique Vietnamese twist that’s both comforting and exciting.
Helpful Chef Tips
- Marinate the pork for at least an hour to let the spices fully penetrate the meat.
- Use fresh five-spice powder for the best flavor; pre-ground spices can lose potency over time.
- Cook the pork over medium heat to avoid burning the spices and to keep the meat juicy.
- Use fresh five-spice powder for the best flavor; pre-ground spices can lose potency over time.
- Cook the pork over medium heat to avoid burning the spices and to keep the meat juicy.
Directions
Season the pork with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the pork and garlic. Let them cook together until the pork is nicely browned all over, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Next, stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and five-spice powder. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let everything simmer gently. Give it a stir now and then, cooking until the pork is so tender it easily falls apart when you poke it with a fork—this usually takes around 2 hours.
Serving Tips
Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, along with pickled vegetables, for a bright and refreshing contrast.
Reheating And Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep the pork tender and avoid drying it out. This dish also freezes well for up to one month.
