Vietnamese Braised Pork & Eggs in Caramel - Thit Heo Kho Trung

pork shoulder (and/or pork belly (cut in 1-inch cubes))

oil

large shallots ((or 1 small onion) minced - @ 1/4 cup)

garlic (, crushed)

fish sauce

lots of fresh ground black pepper ( to taste)

water ((approximately))

medium hard boiled eggs (, peeled)

sliced green onions (and/or cilantro (optional))

sliced fresh chilies (or hot sauce (optional))

sugar

water