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Vietnam · Food

Thit Kho Rieng

70 min
740 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Thit Kho Rieng🇻🇳

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

2 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Thit Kho Rieng. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

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A rustic Northern Vietnamese treasure where pork belly is slow-braised with the earthy, zesty heat of fresh galangal and fermented rice. It offers a sophisticated depth of flavor that is both savory and slightly tangy.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Thit Kho Rieng from another cuisine is Bebek Goreng (Indonesia): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Finely grate or pound the 50g of galangal into a coarse paste using a mortar and pestle.

  • 2

    Slice the 500g of pork belly into 3cm bite-sized cubes for even cooking.

  • 3

    Marinate the pork with the galangal, turmeric, fermented rice paste, shrimp paste, fish sauce and 15 g of sugar for at least 30 minutes.

  • 4

    Heat the 1 tbsp of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped shallots until translucent.

  • 5

    Lift the pork out of the marinade, scraping the excess back into the bowl and keeping it. Add the pork to the pot and sear over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

  • 6

    Stir the reserved marinade into the pot with 300 ml of water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. The liquid should come about halfway up the meat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

  • 7

    Simmer covered for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender. Then uncover and simmer for another 20 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a thick golden glaze.

  • 8

    Finish by increasing the heat for 2 minutes to caramelize the liquid; the pork should be tender and coated in a sticky, amber sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thit Kho Rieng?

Thit Kho Rieng is a Vietnamese braised pork belly dish seasoned with galangal, turmeric, and fermented rice paste. It is a savory communal meal typically served with steamed rice as part of a daily main course.

Can I substitute galangal?

Galangal is essential for the authentic taste; ginger can be used as a last resort but will significantly alter the flavor profile.

What is fermented rice paste?

It is a staple condiment in Northern Vietnam known as 'me'; look for it in Asian specialty markets.

How do I know when it is done?

The pork should be fork-tender and the sauce should have reduced to a thick, glossy syrup that clings to the meat.

Is shrimp paste necessary?

Yes, it adds a crucial 'umami' depth that anchors the brightness of the galangal.

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