Spicy Roasted Pig Trotters

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   Blanch the pig's trotters in boiling water to remove the blood and foam, then remove and set aside. Prepare scallions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, dried red chilies, and sugar.

   

2. 02

   Step 2

   Add vegetable oil to the bottom of a pot. With a cold pot and cold oil, add sugar and stir-fry over low heat until the sugar melts and turns caramel color. This step of caramelizing the sugar is crucial. If the sugar isn't fully caramelized, it will clump when the meat is added. If it's overcooked, the sugar will taste bitter. Add the pig's trotters and stir-fry briefly. A well-caramelized sugar will look beautiful, evenly coating the meat like a layer of soy sauce.

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   Add scallions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and dried red chilies and stir-fry until fragrant. Add 350 ml of beer, some boiled water, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of aged vinegar 10 minutes before serving. Aged vinegar enhances the aroma and cuts through the greasiness. When cooking meat and fish dishes, this spoonful of aged vinegar is indispensable.

   

4. 04

   Step 4

   Remove the cooked pig's trotters and set aside. I only cooked them for about 30 minutes, so they were quite chewy. If you prefer them softer, cook for 40 50 , depending on your preference. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil to save on washing dishes! Then place the pig's trotters on the tray, sprinkle with dried red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt and pepper, and bake at around 160 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. Enjoy!