A Taste of Home: How to Make the Savory Vietnamese Braised Pork (Ga Kho Gung)

A Taste of Home: How to Make the Savory Vietnamese Braised Pork (Ga Kho Gung)

Ga Kho Gung, meaning ‘braised chicken with ginger,’ is a popular Vietnamese dish that’s enjoyed throughout the country. It's known for its rich, savory flavors and tender, succulent chicken. While often made with chicken, it can also be made with pork, a delicious variation that’s often served with steamed rice.

This dish is simple to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. However, it takes some time to cook, but the flavorful results are worth the wait.

Ingredients for Ga Kho Gung

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this dish:

• 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro and scallions for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to make Ga Kho Gung:

1. In a bowl, combine the pork, salt, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. Mix well and set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the marinated pork to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides.
4. Pour the water into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the pork is tender. If needed, add more water during the cooking process to prevent the pork from drying out.
5. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and scallions.

Tips for Making Ga Kho Gung

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Ga Kho Gung:

• For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili peppers. You can also add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade.
• To make the dish even more flavorful, add a star anise or two to the skillet while the pork is cooking.
• Ga Kho Gung can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ga Kho Gung is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender pork, flavorful sauce, and aromatic spices will surely leave you wanting more.