Pigs Trotters Recipe Slow Cooker

Are you longing for a romantic encounter with food? Then you absolutely can't miss this braised pig's trotter. As the tender trotters slowly simmer in the pot, an irresistible aroma fills the air, instantly transporting you to a culinary paradise. Are you ready to embark on this delicious journey?

1.About Braised Pig's Trotter

Braised pig's trotter is a classic Chinese dish made with fresh pig trotters, paired with various spices and seasonings, and cooked for an extended period. During the cooking process, the aroma of the seasonings gradually infuses into the trotters, enhancing their rich and robust flavor. Packed with collagen, the trotters become tender and springy, melting in your mouth. The intense fragrance is simply irresistible. Whether paired with rice, noodles, or enjoyed as a side dish with drinks, braised pig's trotter offers an exceptional culinary experience. This dish is beloved across China for its nutritional value and delicious taste, making it an essential homestyle favorite.

2.Ingredients and Substitutes

Ingredients:

Pig's Trotter: The main ingredient, providing rich meatiness.

Ginger: Removes odor and enhances flavor.

White Atractylodes: An herbal ingredient that elevates the aroma and taste of the dish.

Cooking Wine: Helps eliminate odors and adds fragrance.

Dark Soy Sauce: Enhances color and flavor, making the trotters more appealing.

Rock Sugar: Adds sweetness and enriches the taste.

Green Onions: Contributes aroma and adds depth.

Sichuan Peppercorn: Boosts fragrance and flavor, making the dish even more delicious.

Light Soy Sauce: Adds freshness and enhances seasoning.

Hawthorn: Introduces acidity, balancing the flavor and making it more appetizing.

Substitutes:

If you don't have white atractylodes, you can use bay leaves or lemongrass to enhance the aroma.

If you don't have cooking wine, rice wine or water can be used mainly to remove odors and add fragrance.

If dark soy sauce is unavailable, you can mix light soy sauce with a small amount of regular soy sauce for color, but be cautious not to add too much to avoid a dark color.

If rock sugar is missing, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or brown sugar, though the taste and color may vary slightly.

If hawthorn is unavailable, lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can be used to add acidity.

3.Required Equipment

For today’s braised pig's trotter, no special equipment is needed—just common household tools:

Dutch Oven: You can choose from clay pots, enameled pots, or stainless steel pots. Clay pots retain heat well, ensuring even cooking and tender, flavorful trotters. Enameled pots are aesthetically pleasing and durable, effectively locking in nutrients and flavors. Stainless steel pots are easy to clean.

Stove: Whether using a gas stove or an induction cooktop, both provide a stable heat source.

Knife: Essential for handling the pig trotters and cutting them into appropriate sizes.

Ladle: Useful for skimming off any foam during the cooking process, keeping the broth clear.

Plates and Bowls: For serving the braised trotters and broth.

4.Pig's Trotter Handling Tips

Inspection: Check the surface of the pig's trotters for any remaining hairs or dirt. If there are any, use tweezers or a razor to remove the hairs, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Soaking: Place the trotters in cold water, adding an appropriate amount of white vinegar and salt. Soak for 1 to 2 hours to help eliminate odors and blood.

Blanching: Fill a pot with cold water and add the pig's trotters along with ginger slices, green onion sections, and cooking wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming off any foam that rises. Then, simmer for 3 to 5 minutes before removing the trotters and rinsing them under clean water.

Cutting: After blanching, cut the trotters into appropriately sized pieces for easier cooking and flavor absorption.

5.Best Pairings for Braised Pig's Trotter

Rice: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pig's trotter paired with fluffy rice makes for a perfect combination. The rich broth seeps into the rice, making every bite delicious.

Noodles: Smooth noodles complement the tender braised trotters beautifully. A drizzle of the savory broth, whether in a soup or mixed with the noodles, enhances the dish wonderfully.

Vegetables: Consider pairing with some refreshing vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or potatoes. The crisp texture of the veggies balances the richness of the trotters, making the meal more nutritious and well-rounded.

6.How to Store Braised Pig's Trotter

Refrigeration:

Place the braised pig's trotters in a sealed container, such as a food storage box or a resealable bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Store them in the refrigerator, where they can last for 2 to 3 days.

Freezing:

For long-term storage, transfer the trotters to a sealed container and place them in the freezer. This method can preserve them for 2 to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Reheating:

To reheat, put the trotters in a microwave-safe container and sprinkle a little water on top to prevent drying out. Heat on medium-high for 3 to 5 minutes, adjusting the time based on the quantity of trotters. Pause occasionally to check and ensure even heating.

7.More Delicious Recipe Recommendations

Braised Chicken Thigh

Braised Pork Belly

Smoked Chicken Thighs (Chinese Style)

Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce

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