Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm)

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Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm)

Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm) is a cherished dish at Vietnamese family dinners

Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm) is a cherished dish at Vietnamese family dinners. It is the epitome of comfort food: quick to prepare and made with only two main ingredients – pork belly and shrimp. And here’s the best part: you don’t even need to peel or devein the shrimp. The shell-on shrimp cook alongside the pork belly, absorbing the flavours of garlic, shallots, and fish sauce, while their natural sweetness complements the savoury richness of the pork.

This dish is also what Vietnamese people affectionately call a “món hao cơm” – a dish so irresistibly tasty that it makes the pot of steamed rice disappear in no time. The combination of tender, caramelized pork belly, juicy shrimp, and fragrant green onions creates a harmony of flavours and textures that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty, Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp is quick to put together, yet it delivers the depth and satisfaction of a well-loved home-cooked meal. Serve it with hot, fluffy rice and let the magic happen at your dining table!

Q&As on Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp

1. What happens if I remove the shell of the shrimp in this recipe?

It is highly recommended to cook the shrimp with the shell on for this recipe. The shell not only adds a delightful crunchiness to the texture but also helps seal in the shrimp’s natural juices, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish. Additionally, the shell slows down the cooking process slightly, preventing the shrimp from becoming overcooked or rubbery. If you remove the shell, the shrimp will lose that satisfying texture, and the dish may lack the depth of flavour typically achieved with shell-on shrimp.

2. I would like to add some vegetables to balance out the rich protein of the dish. What do you suggest?

To complement the rich flavours of Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm, many Vietnamese families serve it with “rau luộc” (boiled vegetables). Popular choices include rau muống (water spinach or morning glory spinach) and cải bẹ xanh (mustard greens). The simplicity of these boiled vegetables provides a perfect counterbalance to the dish’s savoury richness.

If you’re looking for something quicker, fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers or tomatoes work wonderfully as their natural crispness and refreshing flavour pair perfectly with the dish. Additionally, a side of đồ chua (pickled vegetables), such as pickled carrots and daikon radish, adds a tangy contrast. If you have some on hand, you can find my recipe for pickled carrots and daikon here! These options will bring balance and freshness to your meal.

Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm)

3. How do you pronounce “Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm?”

“Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm” is pronounced as:

“Teet Bah Chee Rahng Tom.”

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Thịt (teet): Means “meat,” specifically pork in this context.
  • Ba Chỉ (bah chee): Refers to pork belly.
  • Rang (rahng): Means “stir-fried.”
  • Tôm (tom): Means “shrimp.”

The tones in Vietnamese are important for correct pronunciation:

  • Thịt has a flat tone.
  • Ba Chỉ has a rising tone on “Chỉ.”
  • Rang Tôm both have a flat tone.

Practising the tones will help you sound more natural!

Recipe for Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp

This savoury, aromatic stir-fried pork belly with shrimp is a beloved Vietnamese dish perfect for family dinners. With rich, caramelized pork belly and tender shrimp infused with garlic and fish sauce, each bite offers a satisfying depth of flavour. This dish is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal that feels both comforting and special.
Please refer to the video instructions at the end of the recipe if you’d like to see how to make Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm) in action.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Equipment

  • 1 medium nonstick skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 300 grams shrimp (shell on)
  • 350 grams pork belly
  • 2 tablespoons garlic (finely chopped)
  • 3 green onions
  • For seasoning: Fish sauce, MSG (or chicken bouillon powder), mushroom powder, sugar, ground black pepper
  • Annatto oil (for natural colouring) optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients
    In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with 2 teaspoons of mushroom powder and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well and let the shrimp marinate for about 20 minutes.
    Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pork with 1 teaspoon of mushroom powder, ½ teaspoon of MSG (or chicken bouillon powder), ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce. Mix well and let the pork marinate for about 20 minutes.
    Cut the green onions into small pieces, keeping them ready for garnish.
  • Cook
    Heat a medium, oiled nonstick skillet over high heat. Add half of the chopped garlic and shallot, sautéing until fragrant. Add the marinated shrimp and stir-fry quickly until they just turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
    Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil and bring it to high heat. Add the marinated pork belly, stirring occasionally until the pork is cooked through and starts to brown.
    Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the remaining garlic and shallot. Stir everything together well.
    Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of annatto oil (if using) for colour. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the flavours are well combined.
    Continue stir-frying until the shrimp and pork develop a slightly charred colour on the outside. Once done, turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the dish, stirring briefly to mix.
  • Serve
    Transfer the stir-fried pork belly and shrimp mixture to a serving plate. Enjoy your Stir-Fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm) with a side of hot steamed rice.

Video

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