Braised Pig Trotters

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   Cut the pig's trotters into small pieces and wash them clean (I had the butcher chop them for me when I bought them).

   

2. 02

   Step 2

   Add a spoonful of salt;

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   Add a little cooking wine and marinate for ten minutes;

   

4. 04

   Step 4

   Blanch the meat in boiling water for a few minutes;

   

5. 05

   Step 5

   Wash off the foam from the meat and drain it.

   

6. 06

   Step 6

   Wash and chop the scallions, garlic, ginger, red dates, and goji berries.

   

7. 07

   Step 7

   Prepare a pot, add water (enough to cover the meat), and put the chopped scallions, ginger, garlic, etc. into the pot;

   

8. 08

   Step 8

   Wash the spice packet (Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, herbs, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.) and put it in the pot;

   

9. 09

   Step 9

   Add salt, chicken bouillon, light soy sauce, soy sauce (to make the water dark black), sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic (a little), ginger (a little), scallions (white part), and oyster sauce to season (slightly saltier than usual). Remember to add cooking wine or beer (at least half a bottle).

   

10. 10

    Step 10

    Soak the meat in water for about ten minutes to let it absorb the flavor, then bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer. Stir it every ten minutes or so to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

    

11. 11

    Step 11

    It takes about an hour (depending on the amount of food; generally, it's ready when you can easily pierce the meat with chopsticks).

    

12. 12

    Step 12

    Once cooked, sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve.