(Note from the compiler: the author is American – hence the somewhat peculiar introduction) Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the shallots in it. Add the meat cubes and brown them all around in about 10 min. Extinguish with the water and make open in about 1 hour until the water is almost completely gone. Add the fish sauce and sugar and cook until the sugar is dissolved and thickens to a syrupy consistency. Stir well repeatedly so that the meat is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately on a bed of rice.
Tip: It is best to use your favorite ham – then your dish tastes twice as good!