How to Make Vietnamese Braised Pork Trotters with Chinese Herbs
The process of making braised pork trotters with Chinese herbs is not complicated. Just pay a little attention to the preparation of the pork trotters and the braising technique to ensure a clear and sweet broth.
Ingredients
- 1-2 pork trotters ~ 700g
- 2 small packs of Chinese herbal seasoning
- 50g lotus seeds and red dates (optional)
- Mugwort leaves (optional)
- Coarse salt
- 1 knob of ginger
- Honey
- Seasonings: Fish sauce, MSG, seasoning powder
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Clean the pork trotters by thoroughly scraping off any dirt, especially between the toes. Rub with coarse salt, rinse, and then cut the trotters into small, round pieces suitable for eating.
Prepare the other ingredients:
Wash the fresh ginger, then crush or slice it thinly.
Rinse the Chinese herbal seasoning in a sieve to remove any dust, and let it drain.
If using lotus seeds and red dates, soak them before cooking. If using fresh lotus seeds, blanch them briefly to remove the bitter taste. If using dried lotus seeds, soak them for about 20-30 minutes until softened, then rinse. Red dates only need to be soaked for about 15 minutes to soften.
The Chinese herbal seasoning pack contains small, round, white seeds called coix seeds, which help cool the body. However, these seeds absorb water and can dilute the sweetness of the broth if used in excess. Use a moderate amount when cooking.
Pick the fresh mugwort leaves and tender tips, then soak and wash them in salt water. Mugwort has a bitter taste, so it's not to everyone's liking when used in herbal soups. However, if you enjoy mugwort but want to reduce its bitterness, you can blanch the leaves, rinse them in water, and drain. Add the mugwort to the soup just before it's finished cooking to keep the leaves green and reduce bitterness, making the dish visually appealing.
Cooking Braised Pork Trotters with Chinese Herbs
Boil a pot of water and add the crushed ginger and a pinch of coarse salt. Blanch the pork trotters in the boiling water for 1-2 minutes to clean them and remove any odors. Then, remove the trotters and rinse them thoroughly.
Place the Chinese herbal seasoning in a pot, then add the pork trotters along with the lotus seeds and red dates (if using). Add enough water to cover the trotters.
At this stage, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the pot. Honey enhances the sweetness and aroma of the broth. Turn on the heat to begin braising. When cooking braised pork trotters with Chinese herbs, it’s important to maintain a medium heat. High heat can cause the broth to become cloudy.
To ensure the pork trotters become tender and fully absorb the herbal flavors, braise them for at least 30-40 minutes. Then, season the soup with a bit of MSG, seasoning powder, and a dash of fish sauce. Finally, just before turning off the heat, add the mugwort leaves and cook for another 2 minutes before removing from the heat.
Serve the braised pork trotters with Chinese herbs in a bowl and enjoy while hot. The pork is tender and rich, the herbs are aromatic, and the broth is clear with a delicate flavor, complemented by the slight bitterness of the mugwort. This dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. According to research, braised pork trotters with Chinese herbs is great for your health, especially for strengthening bones and joints, boosting physical strength, and promoting blood circulation.
In addition to braised pork trotters with Chinese herbs, you can also prepare dishes like fried pork trotters with fish sauce, pork trotters braised with fresh bamboo shoots, or pork trotters cooked in fake civet style. These are all delicious recipes featuring pork trotters that Cookbeo highly recommends!
