Crazy Pig's Hands & Tongue – the name alone might evoke a chuckle, but this surprisingly delicious Asian dish is far from bizarre. It's a testament to the resourceful use of ingredients and a testament to bold flavors. While the name might be unconventional, the dish itself offers a unique culinary adventure, a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will surprise even the most discerning palate. Think tender, succulent meat with a subtle sweetness balanced by a hint of spice – a perfect harmony in every bite. The seemingly unusual components are transformed into a culinary masterpiece through careful preparation and expertly balanced seasonings.
This recipe isn't as daunting as it sounds; in fact, it's surprisingly easy to prepare. Forget any preconceived notions – this dish is approachable, even for beginner cooks. We’ll guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create your own batch of Crazy Pig's Hands & Tongue.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Mortar and pestle
- Nylon string
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Pig's hands: 2 (820g)
- Pig's tongue: 1 (500g)
- Lemon: 2
- Salt
- Black pepper: 10g
- Ginger
- Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 2 teaspoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pig's Hands and Tongue
- Clean the pig's hands and tongue by squeezing with lemon and salt, then rinsing with water. Let them drain.
- Boil pig's hands and tongue in a pot of water with salt and vinegar until they turn white. Add them while the water is cold for whiter and more fragrant results. Boil briefly, then scrape off the white layer.
- Soak the pig's hands and tongue in water to prevent discoloration.
- Scrape off the white layer from the tongue thoroughly.
- Shave any excess hair from the pig's hands. Rinse and clean thoroughly.
- Cut and prepare the pig's hands and tongue for rolling. Cut the tongue into strips.
Step 2. Marinate and Roll
- Roast black pepper in a pan, then pound it lightly in a mortar to enhance its fragrance.
- Marinate the tongue strips with pepper, seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, salt, and fish sauce for 20 minutes.
- Roll the marinated tongue strips into the pig's hands, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres well. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil and secure with nylon string.
Step 3. Boil and Cool
- Boil the wrapped pig's hands for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. Let it cool completely.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the boiled pig's hands for 8 hours to firm up. Slice thinly before serving.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Boiling the pig's tongue for a longer time makes it easier to scrape off the white layer.
- Pressing the tongue firmly into the pig's hand while rolling prevents it from coming apart during cooking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I find pig's hands and tongue?
Specialty Asian markets or butchers are your best bet. You may need to call ahead to ensure they have them in stock.
2. Can I substitute other meats?
While this recipe uses pig's hands and tongue for their specific texture and flavor, substituting is difficult. The dish relies heavily on those elements.
3. How do I ensure the meat is crispy?
Proper drying before cooking and using high heat (deep frying or pan-frying) are key to achieving crispy results. Don't overcrowd the pan!
So there you have it – your very own batch of Crispy Crazy Pig's Hands & Tongue! This unique dish, while unconventional, offers a rewarding culinary experience that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Enjoy this flavorful and texturally exciting adventure!