Grandpa is eating instant noodles. 

5-year-old: Grandpa, I want to try.

Grandpa (still eating): Okay, I’ll save you some.

5-year-old: Sure, but please stop eating.

Pork and eggs simmered in caramel sauce

(Recipe from grandpa)

1 lb pork belly with skin (cut into 1″ pieces)
1 lb pork butt  with skin (cut into 1″ pieces)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tbs canola oil
2 shallots (sliced)
4 tbs caramel sauce (see recipe below)
2 tbs soy sauce (optional)
1 cup water
6 boiled eggs (peeled)
Fish sauce (to taste)

1. In a bowl, marinate pork with 2 tsp salt + 1 tsp pepper.
2. In a medium pot, add 2 tbs canola oil under medium heat.
3. Add sliced shallot, cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add marinated pork, cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Add 4 tbs caramel sauce, mix well.
6. Season with 2 tbs soy sauce.
7. Add 1 cup water.
8. Add eggs, and covered the pot, until boiled.
9. Add fish sauce to taste.
10. Turn to low heat, uncover, and cook for another 2 hours.

Caramel Sauce

3/4 cup water
1 cup sugar

1. Prepare a large bowl with cold water.
2. In a saucepan, add 1/4 cup water and 1 cup sugar.
3. Stir and cook under medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.
4. Cook until color turns amber, about 15 minutes.
5. Cook for another 5 minutes, watch closely until the caramel is the color of black coffee.
6. Immediately place the pan in cold water bowl to stop the cooking.
7. Add 1/2 cup water to the caramel.
8. Reheat until the caramel dissolves into the water.
9. Store in a glass jar.

Pork and eggs simmered in caramel sauce (Instant Pot Version)

8 eggs
1 cup water
4 tbs sugar
4 lbs pork belly (cut into 1″ pieces)
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 shallots (sliced)
1 liter water (or coconut water)
6 tbs fish sauce
Ground pepper

To boil eggs:

1. Pour 1 cup of water in the pot.
2. Place the eggs on the rack in the bottom of the pot.
3. High pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Let it naturally release for another 5 minutes.
5. Place a towel over the valve (so steam doesn’t get everywhere) and press quick release.
6. Quickly run the eggs under cold water.
7. Peel and set aside.

To make caramelized port and eggs:

1. Press Saute High button, add 4 tbs water + 4 tbs sugar, cook until the mixture turns deep golden color.
2. Add pork pieces + sliced shallot + 1 tsp salt + ground pepper, stir fry for 5 minutes.
3. Add water (or coconut water) and eggs.
4. Add fish sauce.
5. Cover and press Meat/Stew button.
6. Pressure Cook High for 15 minutes.
7. Natural release for another 10 minutes.
8. Place a towel over the valve and press quick release.
9. Re-taste if needed.
10. Press Saute High to reduce the liquid.
11. Press Cancel when done.