INGREDIENTS
500 grams pork belly, cut into cubes
1 ½ tsp salt
¾ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp oil
1 small shallot, minced
2 small green onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
5 tbsp water
100ml coconut water
1 or 2 red chilies
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut the pork into 3cm cubes, making sure they are approximately the same size for even cooking. Season the pork with salt and pepper and set it aside in a bowl to marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat with some oil. Add the sugar and let it melt, stirring frequently until it turns lightly golden. Then, add the shallots and garlic, and sauté gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until the shallot mixture is caramelized and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Next, add the pork and stir well for another 5 minutes. Add the fish sauce, coconut water, and chilies. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and allow it to gently simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest for another 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
3. Taste the pork and sauce. If needed, add a sprinkle of fish sauce, pepper, or sugar to achieve a savory, spicy-sweet finish. Finally, add green onions and peppers on top of the pork to complete the dish.