Sweet Braised Pork/ Nqaij Qab Zib

I love this recipe. This was one of my childhood favorites, but my mom only made it every once in awhile. When I met my husband, I found out that this was one of his favorites, too, but his mom doesn't make it too often. I made it my goal to make this recipe with my own secret ingredient so that I can pass it down to my kids. My mom's version is very easy and simple, therefore, the taste is also easy and simple; nothing exciting. Sadly, I will not share the secret ingredient with you all.

Marinate:

2 lbs pork belly, cubed

1 tsp salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp ginger, grated
¼ cup sugar
½ cup dark sweet soy sauce
*secret ingredient

Mix all together and marinate for 2 hrs…1 hr the least.

1-2 cup sugar
½ cup dark sweet soy sauce
2 star anise
½ stalk lemon grass
1 tsp salt
4 hard boiled eggs, optional

Cook sugar in pot until caramelized. Add marinated pork including marinade to the carmalized sugar. Be careful. Let cook until carmalized sugar is completely dissolved. Add enough water to cover the top of the pork. Bring to boil and simmer for 2-3 hours; adding water a little at a time just to cover the pork. Half way through simmering, add lemon grass, star anise, and salt. Take the shells off the eggs and drop them in slowly into the pot. Continue simmering until liquid has reduced below the pork meats. Liquid can be reduced in half for a thicker syrupy sauce. Serve on rice.