Vietnamese Braised Pork Belly with Eggs

Instructions

1. 1
   Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. 2
   Add pork belly cubes and sear on all sides until lightly browned, approximately 8 minutes.
3. 3
   Sprinkle sugar over the pork and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and coats the meat.
4. 4
   Pour in fish sauce and water, then add star anise and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. 5
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6
   Add hard-boiled eggs and continue simmering for another 30 minutes until the pork is very tender and the sauce thickens.
7. 7
   Adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or sugar as needed. Serve hot over steamed white rice.