Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 shallots sliced 1/8-inch
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 thai chiles crushed
  • 2 inches ginger piece, fine julienne
  • 1 cup caramel sauce 1/2 pound palm sugar, 1/2 cup fish sauce
  • 1 cup pork stock
  • 3 cups coconut water
  • 1 cup green onion sliced thin
  • 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves

Method

  • 1. Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add the pork in batches and sear on all sides for 4-5 minutes or until well browned. Transfer the meat to a clay pot.
  • 2. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil and add the shallots, reducing heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, chiles and ginger and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer the cooked aromatics to the clay pot with the pork.
  • 3. Add the caramel sauce, pork stock, and coconut water to the clay pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and place in a 350F oven for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender, but not falling apart.
  • 4. Serve the pork along with the cooking liquid in a bowl and garnish with green onion and cilantro along with a side of steamed rice.