Thit heo kho tieu (five-spice caramel pork)

Step 1

Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat. Add one-third of the pork and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until brown all over. Transfer to a plate. Repeat, in 2 more batches, with the remaining pork.

Step 2

Heat remaining oil in wok over medium heat. Add eschalot and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until golden. Add pork, soy sauce, palm sugar, water, star anise and five spice. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours or until pork is tender. Increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Cook for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Step 3

Add the fish sauce and half the shallot and stir to combine. Place in a serving bowl. Top with remaining shallot. Serve with steamed rice topped with cucumber and coriander leaves.