Pork trotters, also known as pig's feet, may not be the most popular cut of meat, but when cooked correctly, they are incredibly tender and flavorful. With the right technique, you can master the art of cooking juicy and delicious pork trotters. Here is a step-by-step recipe with a list of ingredients to help you achieve a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork trotters
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch of ginger, grated
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of dark soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of rice wine
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions :
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Trotters
Start by cleaning the pork trotters thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove any excess hair and dirt. Once cleaned, cut the trotters into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches in length. Then, using a sharp knife, make small cuts on the skin of each piece to help the flavors penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Marinating the Pork Trotters
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and brown sugar. Add the pork trotters to the marinade and coat each piece well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Searing the Pork Trotters
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork trotters to the pot, reserving the marinade. Sear the trotters on all sides until they are nicely browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Braising the Pork Trotters
Pour the reserved marinade and chicken broth into the pot with the seared pork trotters. Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Make sure to check on the pot occasionally and give it a stir.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
After 2-3 hours of braising, the pork trotters should be tender and falling off the bone. Take them out of the pot and set them aside. Turn up the heat to medium-high and let the sauce reduce and thicken for about 10 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, add the pork trotters back into the pot and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes, coating them well with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the pork trotters from the pot and place them on a serving dish. Pour the thickened sauce over the trotters and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with some steamed rice and enjoy the juicy and delicious flavors of your perfectly cooked pork trotters.
Now that you have mastered the art of cooking pork trotters, it's time to put your skills to the test. Have you ever tried this dish before? What other tips and tricks do you have for cooking pork trotters? Let us know in the comments below and happy cooking!
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