How to Make Delicious and Appealing Coconut Braised Meat Banh Mi Extremely Simple

How to prepare Braised Pork Baguette

• 1

  Prepare and marinate the pork belly

  After purchasing the pork belly, wash it with salted water to clean it, scrape and pluck out any remaining hard hairs on the pig’s skin, and rinse with cold water, then let it drain.

  Once the meat is well-prepared, put it into a bowl, marinate it with 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of seasoning, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of five-spice powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of food coloring powder.

  Add 1.5 tablespoons of fish sauce, minced garlic, and shallots to the meat. Mix well so that the seasonings blend together and coat the meat evenly. Marinate the meat in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

  How to eliminate the smell of pork:

  • Blanch the pork in boiling water to remove the meat odor.
  • Use 3 – 4 shallots, peel, crush, and add them to the water, put the piece of meat in, and boil for about 3 minutes; the shallots will help eliminate the smell very effectively.

  See details: Tips for eliminating meat odors

  

  

  

  
• 2

  Prepare other ingredients

  For the tomatoes, remove the stems, wash them clean, then cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, and dice them.

  Chives and cilantro should have their roots trimmed, remove any wilted leaves, then wash off the dirt and let them drain. Chop the white part of the chives finely, and separate 1 stalk of cilantro and the leaves of the chives for a plate. Leave the remaining cilantro stalks whole to eat with the bread.

  Cut the cucumber by removing both ends, peeling it, washing it clean, and then slicing it thinly.

  

  

  

  
• 3

  Braised pork belly

  Place a pan on the stove and heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over high heat. When the oil is hot and slightly bubbling, add the marinated pork that has absorbed the spices, then reduce to medium heat. Fry and turn each side of the pork for 2 minutes until the meat is firm and golden fragrant.

  When the surface of the meat is golden and firm, pour in 500ml of fresh coconut water to rinse the bowl used for marinating the meat and then add it to the pan. Cover and increase the heat to high again until the coconut water boils, then reduce to medium heat and braise the meat for 30 minutes.

  After 30 minutes, the meat is fully cooked, open the lid and increase the heat to high again for the coconut water to quickly absorb into the meat and reduce; every 10 minutes, turn the meat to ensure even absorption.

  Braise the meat until the liquid reduces to about 1 cup of sauce, then turn off the heat, remove the meat to cool slightly, then slice thinly and arrange on a plate.

  

  

  

  
• 4

  Prepare the bread sauce

  The sauce after braising the meat will have some fat rendered from the meat; scoop about 3 tablespoons of fat into a pan, place it on high heat, and sauté the chopped green onion until fragrant.

  When the green onion turns golden and releases its aroma, add the diced tomatoes and stir-fry quickly. Once the tomatoes are soft and slightly mushy, continue to add the remaining sauce from braising the meat and add 100ml of water, stirring well to combine the mixture.

  Season the sauce with 1/3 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1/3 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, stirring well for the seasonings to dissolve into the mixture.

  Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch that have been mixed with water, stirring continuously for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens, then turn off the heat.

  Add chopped green onions and cilantro into the mixture, stirring well so the heat of the sauce cooks the herbs. Add a few drops of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of crispy fried shallots to enhance the aroma of the dish, and the sauce is ready.

  

  

  

  
• 5

  Stuffing the Baguette

  The baguette you bought should be sliced lengthwise on one side and the two edges pulled apart.

  You add some cucumber, a few slices of meat into the baguette, then drizzle a little thick sauce on top and add a few sprigs of coriander in the middle.

  Press the baguette back together and the delicious coconut-braised meat baguette is ready for you to enjoy!

  

  

  
• 6

  Final Product

  The coconut-braised pork belly dish has an incredibly appealing color, the meat is marinated well and braised until tender, sweet with the taste of coconut water, rich and flavorful.

  The thick and flavorful sauce adds an explosive taste to the dish due to the blend of spices, onions, fried shallots, and rich aromatic sauce.

  The braised meat can be enjoyed with baguette, fresh rice noodles, or hot, sticky white rice, all of which are incredibly delicious and appetizing, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience for your family meal!