Red Fermented Bean Curd Braised Pig's Trotters (南乳燘猪手)
This dish is a traditional Chinese delicacy, known for its rich flavors and tender meat that falls off the bone, all infused with the unique taste and aroma of red fermented bean curd.
Ingredients
- 4 pig’s trotters front or hind, cleaned and chopped into pieces
- 4 pieces of red fermented bean curd 南乳
- 2 tablespoons of the sauce from the red fermented bean curd
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce for color
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 piece of ginger sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 500 ml water or as needed
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Green onions and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
- Parboil the pig’s trotters: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the pig’s trotters, and boil for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the trotters under cold water.
Marinate:
- In a bowl, mash the red fermented bean curd into a paste and mix it with its sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Marinate the trotters in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Trotters:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated trotters to the pot along with star anise and cinnamon stick. Stir to mix well.
- Cook for a few minutes until the trotters start to brown slightly.
Braise:
- Add sugar and stir until it begins to caramelize, which will add a rich color and flavor to the dish.
- Pour in enough water to nearly cover the trotters. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and the sauce has thickened. Check periodically and add more water if needed to prevent drying out.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the meat is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful, adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro.
