Vietnam
Vietnamese
Illustrated guide

Cà Tím Nhồi Thịt Sốt Cà (Pork-Stuffed Eggplant)

Cà tím nhồi thịt sốt cà fills tender eggplant with seasoned pork, then gently braises it in a savory Vietnamese tomato sauce.

Prep20 minutes
Cook40 minutes
LevelMedium
Serves4
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Cà Tím Nhồi Thịt Sốt Cà (Pork-Stuffed Eggplant)

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Illustrated cooking guide

Step-by-step visual method

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Cà Tím Nhồi Thịt Sốt Cà (Pork-Stuffed Eggplant) illustrated step-by-step cooking guide

Written method

Instructions

Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.

  1. 1

    Split the eggplants lengthwise and steam or blanch until just flexible; scoop a shallow channel without piercing the skin.

  2. 2

    Mix the pork with half the shallot and garlic, fish sauce, pepper, scallion, and chopped eggplant flesh.

  3. 3

    Fill the eggplants firmly with the pork mixture.

  4. 4

    Cook the remaining shallot and garlic, then add tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and a splash of water.

  5. 5

    Nestle in the stuffed eggplants, cover, and simmer until the pork is cooked and the eggplant is silky.

  6. 6

    Finish with scallions and cilantro and serve with rice.

Cook notes

Tips

Make sure to scoop out enough eggplant flesh for easy stuffing without breaking the skin.

When seasoning, remember that fish sauce is salty, so adjust salt accordingly.

Cook smarter

Helpful notes

Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.

Storage Tips

  • Store stuffed eggplants in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven for best results to maintain crispiness.

Substitutions

  • Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork.
  • You can replace fish sauce with soy sauce to make it vegetarian.

What to Serve With

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Fresh vegetable salad
  • Pickled vegetables

Common Mistakes

  • Not scooping out enough eggplant flesh can make stuffing difficult.
  • Overcooking can make eggplants too mushy; check for tenderness.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground pork with tofu or a mixture of mushrooms.

What can I serve with stuffed eggplant?

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a side of fresh vegetable salad.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Kitchen tools

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

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Rice cooker

Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.

Blender

Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.

Saucepan

Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.

Skillet

Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.

Chef knife

A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.

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