Pigs Trotters Recipe

Pigs trotters are rich in collagen, offering a soft, chewy texture with a delightful bounce. Whether braised, stewed, or used in soups, they release an enticing aroma. This easy baked pigs trotters recipe is definitely worth a try!

1.About Baked Pigs Trotters

Baked pigs trotters are made from the main ingredient of pigs trotters, which are cleaned and blanched before being marinated with a special blend of seasonings. They are then placed in an oven or on a grill. At high temperatures, the skin turns golden and crispy, releasing an enticing aroma, while the meat inside remains tender and absorbs the flavors of the marinade, perfectly balanced with savory and slightly spicy notes.

You can also sprinkle green onions, sesame seeds, or other seasonings to enhance the flavor according to your taste. They make a great street food snack to enjoy on the go or can serve as a standout dish at the dinner table, satisfying cravings for deliciousness.

2.Ingredients and Substitutes

Ingredients:

Pigs Trotters: The main ingredient.

Ginger Slices: To remove any gamey taste.

Star Anise: Adds a unique aroma.

Sichuan Peppercorns: Enhances spiciness and texture.

White Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top for color and fragrance.

Green Onion Segments: Adds flavor.

Cooking Wine: Removes odors and enhances aroma.

Bay Leaves: Adds fragrance and improves taste.

Barbecue Sauce: Used for seasoning and adding a smoky flavor.

Chopped Scallions: For garnish, adding color and texture.

Substitutes:

Star anise can be replaced with bay leaves or five-spice powder.

Sichuan peppercorns can be substituted with black pepper.

Cooking wine can be replaced with rice wine or sake.

Barbecue sauce can be swapped for sweet bean sauce or other barbecue sauces.

3.How to Make Perfect Baked Pigs Trotters

Here are some tips for achieving perfectly baked pigs trotters:

Choose Fresh Pigs Trotters: Select trotters that are tender and free of any off-putting odors.

Prepping the Pigs Trotters: Clean the trotters thoroughly, cut them into appropriate-sized pieces, and blanch them in boiling water to remove any gaminess.

Marinate the Pigs Trotters: Marinate the trotters with salt, cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ginger slices, and green onion segments for a period to let the flavors penetrate.

Cook the Pigs Trotters: Place the marinated trotters in a pot with enough water and add star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Cook until tender, ensuring you can easily insert a chopstick.

Bake the Pigs Trotters: Remove the cooked trotters, drain excess water, and place them in a preheated oven at the appropriate temperature and time. During baking, turn the trotters occasionally for even cooking.

Apply Sauce: Brush some barbecue sauce, chili sauce, or honey onto the trotters during baking for added flavor.

Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid burning or undercooking. Adjust the temperature and time based on your oven's performance and the size of the trotters.

Sprinkle Seasonings: Once baked, sprinkle some cumin powder, chili powder, and sesame seeds to enhance the aroma.

4.How to Cut Pigs Trotters

To save time and hassle, we recommend buying pre-cut pigs trotters, so you can start preparing them right away. However, if you purchase whole trotters, here are some common methods for cutting them:

Cutting Methods:

Direct Cutting: Place the cleaned pigs trotters on a cutting board and cut them into desired pieces using a knife. This method works well for tender trotters.

Halving and Then Cutting: After cleaning, cut the trotters in half from the middle, then cut each half into smaller pieces. This method is suitable for larger trotters.

Cook First, Then Cut: Boil the cleaned trotters until tender, then remove them and let them cool before cutting. This method is ideal for tougher trotters, as cooking makes them softer and easier to cut.

Cutting Tips:

Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.

Be cautious while cutting to avoid injury.

Remove any hair before preparation.

5.How Long to Bake Pigs Trotters

The baking time for pigs trotters varies based on oven power, the size of the trotters, and personal taste preferences. Generally, preheat your home oven to 200°C (about 400°F) and place the prepared trotters in the middle rack. Bake for about 15 minutes to achieve initial browning and crispiness, then flip them over and bake for another 15-20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and achieve a crispy exterior with tender meat inside.

If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can extend the baking time slightly, but be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Additionally, feel free to adjust the temperature and time as needed for the best results.

6.How to Store Baked Pigs Trotters

Refrigeration:

Once cooled, place the baked pigs trotters in a clean airtight container or a sealed bag. If using a container, cover the surface with plastic wrap for added sealing. Store them at a temperature between 2-8°C (36-46°F) to keep them fresh for 1-2 days.

Freezing:

For longer storage, package the baked trotters and place them in the freezer at a temperature below -18°C (0°F). Under these conditions, they can last for 1-2 months or even longer.

Important Notes:

Regardless of the storage method, always check the trotters before consumption. If there are any signs of off odors, discoloration, or spoilage, do not eat them. For refrigerated trotters, reheat them in the microwave or oven for about 3-5 minutes to restore their texture and temperature. For frozen trotters, it's best to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator to maintain their quality.

7.More Delicious Roast Recipes

Easy Peking Duck

Roasted Rack of Lamb

Baked Salmon Recipe

Here’s the detailed tutorial for baked pigs trotters—let’s get cooking!

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