In Vietnamese cuisine, “kho” refers to savory foods that have been stewed or simmered in an aromatic caramel sauce, and this complexly flavored one from Red Boat stands out. Besides its rich, balanced flavor, it has zero additives, preservatives or artificial flavor enhancers—unlike most supermarket brands. It’s also a great way to introduce Vietnamese cooking into your repertoire, as it’s a bit more subtle and nuanced than simply using fish sauce, which is also in this kho. We like how a touch of sweetness from coconut sugar combines with a bit of bite from black and red pepper. And the aromatics from ginger, shallots and green onions really round out the sauce. Try it in braises to boost flavor or on grilled shrimp, pork or chicken.
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Add a small amount of this sauce to stir-fries that feature shrimp, tofu, chicken or fish as a finishing sauce. Use it as part of a braise or baste for ribs or chicken wings, and as a base for noodle dishes.