PORK IN SWEET SAUCE (Thit heo kho kho)

Ingredients:
Lean pork - 600 gms
Groundnut oil - 2 tbsp
Scallions -4 (chopped)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Sugar - 1 tbsp
Vietnamese Fish sauce - 3 tbsp
(Nuoc mam)
Celery or coriander leaves

Method:

• Dry the meat with kitchen paper and cut into 3/4" cubes.
• Heat the oil in a wok and stir fry the meat cubes until brown on all sides.
• Add the scallions, some pepper, a little salt and the sugar. Stir well.
• Stir in enough boiling water to just cover the meat.
• Add the fish sauce, bring to the boil and simmer gently over moderate heat until all but about 5 tbsp of the liquid has evaporated.
• Serve in a warmed dish and garnish with celery or coriander leaves.

Notes: As the taste of the fish sauce is quite strong in this sauce, the stated quantity of fish sauce may be reduced by half if preferred. The Vietnamese often stir a handful of washed bean sprouts into this dish before serving.