Roasted Pig's Trotters (Roasting Pan Version)
Roasted pig trotters are a beloved dish for many. Today, I'm sharing a simple recipe for roasted pig trotters that even complete beginners in the kitchen can easily master.
1. About Pig Trotters
Pig trotters, commonly referred to as pig feet, are the lower parts of a pig's legs and hooves. Visually, they consist of a hard hoof shell and a collagen-rich meat interior, with the skin typically being grayish-white or light brown and somewhat coarse in texture.
Nutritionally, pig trotters are rich in collagen, fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Collagen is known for its nourishing effects on the skin, helping to maintain elasticity and shine. Additionally, the protein found in pig trotters is essential for building and repairing body tissues.
In cooking, pig trotters can be prepared in various ways, including braising, stewing, marinating, and roasting. Each cooking method imparts unique textures and flavors, with roasted pig trotters being particularly popular.
2.Ingredients
This recipe requires the following ingredients:
Pig trotters
Cooking oil
Bay leaves
Ginger slices
Toasted sesame
Cumin BBQ seasoning
Cooking wine
Green onion segments
Cinnamon
Chopped green onions
Enoki mushrooms
3.How to Choose Pig Trotters
When selecting pig trotters in the market, it's essential to have some tips to ensure you pick high-quality ones. Here are some practical guidelines:
Appearance
Color: Fresh pig trotters should be light yellow or white, with a slight reddish tint being normal. If they appear overly white, they may have been treated with chemicals. A blackened or spotted appearance can indicate spoilage.
Shape: Quality trotters should have a complete shape without noticeable defects or damage. The hooves should be tightly closed and free of cracks.
Texture
Elasticity: Gently press the pig trotter; it should have a certain elasticity and return to its original shape quickly, indicating freshness. If it leaves a noticeable indentation and takes time to recover, it may not be fresh.
Surface: The surface should feel slightly dry or have a thin layer of moisture, but not sticky. A sticky surface is a sign of spoilage.
Smell
Fresh pig trotters should have a mild meat aroma. A strong, unpleasant odor, such as a rancid or chemical smell, suggests spoilage or improper handling.
Tendon Quality
Quality pig trotters should have plump, clear tendons. If the tendons appear shriveled, vague, or unnatural, it may indicate poor quality.
4.How to Prepare Pig Trotters
When purchasing pig trotters, you can usually ask the seller to help with hair removal and cutting them into pieces, as handling them at home can be challenging. However, if you buy a whole pig trotter, follow these steps to prepare it:
Remove Hair: Use fire or tweezers to carefully remove any stray hairs from the surface of the pig trotter.
Scrape the Skin: Use a knife or a cleaning pad to scrape off any charred parts from the surface.
Wash and Clean: Soak the pig trotter in salted water and gently rub it to remove most dirt. You can also use rice washing water as an alternative to clean water.
Remove Toenails: Carefully cut off the toenails from the pig trotter using a knife.
Blanch to Remove Odor: Place the pig trotter in cold water, adding slices of ginger, scallions, and cooking wine. Bring it to a boil, skimming off any foam. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, then remove and rinse it thoroughly under clean water.
Tip: If you prefer to enjoy the whole pig trotter, you can skip the cutting step and choose smaller trotters for cooking.
5.Can You Cook Pig Trotters Perfectly at Home?
Many recipes for pig trotters typically use an oven or air fryer, but this recipe emphasizes cooking them yourself to ensure they’re perfectly done. The key is to first boil the trotters. Since pig trotters take longer to cook, if you don’t boil them beforehand, the roasting time will be significantly longer. However, if you boil them first, you only need about 30 minutes of roasting to enjoy delicious, tender results.
6.Best Pairings with Roasted Pig Trotters
Vegetables
Lettuce: Fresh, crunchy lettuce wraps around roasted pig trotters help cut through the richness and add a refreshing crunch.
Cucumber: The crispness of cucumber balances the fattiness of the pig trotters; sliced into sticks, they make a delightful accompaniment.
Main Dishes
Rice: Fragrant rice is the perfect staple to enjoy with roasted pig trotters, providing a satisfying fullness.
Beverages
Beer: A refreshing beer is a classic pairing with roasted pig trotters, effectively cutting through the richness and providing a cool, thirst-quenching experience.
Lychee: The sweet and tangy flavor of lychee helps offset the richness of the pig trotters, adding a refreshing touch.
Lemonade: The subtle citrus aroma of lemonade stimulates the taste buds and pairs wonderfully with roasted pig trotters.
7.More Delicious Recipe Recommendations
Yam and Pork Rib Soup: A comforting soup that combines the sweetness of yam with tender pork ribs.
Coca-Cola Chicken Wings: Juicy chicken wings marinated and baked with a sweet and tangy Coca-Cola glaze.
Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce: Flavorful spare ribs steamed to perfection, infused with rich black bean sauce.
Fried Pork in Scoop Recipe (Guo Bao Rou): A crispy, sweet, and savory dish featuring tender pork coated in a delicious sauce.
Here’s the detailed recipe for homemade roasted pig trotters—let’s get started!
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INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 500g (3 pieces) pig trotters
ACCESSORIES
- 3 segments green onion
- 5g chopped green onion
- 150g enoki mushrooms
- 5 slices ginger
SEASONINGS
- 15ml cooking oil
- 3 bay leaves
- 3g sesame seeds
- 1 packet cumin BBQ seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare the Pig Trotters:
Burn the skin of 500g of pig trotters to remove any hair, then wash them clean and set aside.
Tip:
Burning the trotters helps eliminate any odors and tightens the meat's texture.
STEP 2
Blanch:
Place the trotters in a pot, add enough water, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, 3 pieces of green onion, and 5 slices of ginger. Bring to a boil and blanch for 5 minutes after the water starts boiling.
STEP 3
Cool and Rinse:
Remove the blanched trotters and rinse them under cold water to wash away any foam. Set aside.
STEP 4
Cook Thoroughly:
Place the blanched trotters in a pot, add 3 bay leaves and 1 piece of cinnamon, and cover with water. Simmer for about 1.5 hours until cooked through.
STEP 5
Score the Surface:
Remove the cooked trotters and make several shallow cuts on the surface to help the flavors penetrate during roasting.
STEP 6
Roast:
Preheat the baking tray, brush a layer of oil on the bottom, place the trotters on top, and brush them with cumin seasoning while roasting. You can also roast enoki mushrooms alongside.
STEP 7
Brown the Trotters:
Roast the trotters until each side is golden brown and slightly charred.
STEP 8
Serve:
The pig trotters are now crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ:
1.What does pig trotters taste like?
Pig trotters have the following flavor characteristics:
Rich Meat Aroma: After braising or roasting, they release an irresistible meat fragrance that tantalizes the senses.
Complex Texture: The outer skin is rich in collagen, becoming soft and chewy during cooking, while the interior remains tender and juicy, providing a delightful texture experience.
Delicious Flavor: Packed with protein and fat, pig trotters boast a savory taste, enhanced further by the addition of spices and seasonings during cooking.
2. Are pig trotters and pig feet the same?
Yes, pig trotters and pig feet refer to the same cut of meat, specifically the trotter part of the pig. Different regions or cultures may use various names to describe this cut, but they are generally interchangeable.
3. What if the pig trotters don't absorb flavor?
If the pig trotters lack flavor, it may be due to insufficient marinating time. It's recommended to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably in the refrigerator, to allow the seasonings to penetrate thoroughly. Additionally, scoring the surface of the trotters can increase the contact area and help them absorb more flavor.
4. Why are my roasted pig trotters too tough?
If your roasted pig trotters are too tough, it might be because they weren't boiled long enough. Make sure to cook them until they're about 70-80% done before roasting, which usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour over medium-low heat. Also, adjust the oven's time and temperature to avoid overcooking, which can lead to toughness.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Roasted Pig's Trotters (Roasting Pan Version)
- Main Ingredients:5
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:672 g
-
Energy (calories):2059 kcal
-
Protein:72.31 g
-
Fat:109.27 g
Why gray?
-
Carbohydrates:213.74 g
-
Protein: 13%269 kcal
-
Fat: 48%982 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 39%796 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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