The Tet holiday, a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year, is brimming with tradition and delicious food. Among the many festive dishes, pickled pig's feet, or chân giò muối, hold a special place, representing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. This seemingly unusual delicacy boasts a surprisingly delightful flavor profile – a complex interplay of savory, sour, and subtly sweet notes that perfectly complement the richness of the pork. Don't let the name intimidate you; this recipe is surprisingly simple to master, yielding perfectly tender and flavorful pig's feet ready to grace your Tet feast.
This recipe focuses on achieving a crispy exterior and succulent interior, utilizing a blend of aromatic spices and a flavorful fish sauce brine. Forget complicated techniques; this straightforward approach unlocks the delicious potential of this unique Vietnamese dish. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create your own batch of crispy, flavorful pickled pig's feet? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Razor blade or stove
- Bowl
- Jar
Ingredients
- Pig's hands: 1 kg (3 pcs)
- Green onions: 50g
- Chili peppers: 3 pcs
- Lemongrass stalks: 9-10 pcs
- Ginger: 50g
- Shallots: 5 pcs
- Garlic: 1 bulb
- Green peppercorns: some
- Spices: some
- Lemon or vinegar
- Salt
- Fish sauce: 1 bowl
- Sugar (brown or white): 1 bowl
- Rice vinegar: 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pig's Hands
- Heat them over a stove or use a razor blade to remove hairs. Then, clean them with lemon/vinegar and salt. Wash and drain.
- Boil pig's hands in water with lemongrass, ginger, and green onions for 15 minutes. Remove green onions. Boil for another 15 minutes.
- Remove pig's hands and immediately submerge in ice water to make them crispier.
- Cut the pig's hands into desired sizes (thinner slices for easier softening).
- Add sugar to the cut pig's hands and squeeze to remove excess fat. This is crucial for preventing cloudiness.
- Rinse the pig's hands thoroughly (5-6 times) until the water runs clear.
- Drain and dry the pig's hands completely.
Step 2. Prepare the Marinade
- Chop green onions and chilies. Pound ginger. Cut lemongrass (some whole, some diagonally).
- In a separate pot, combine fish sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3. Marinate the Pig's Hands
- Mix the pig's hands with the cooled soaking liquid. Press down firmly.
Step 4. Store and Serve
- Pack into sterilized jars, ensuring the pig's hands are fully submerged in the liquid. Close tightly and let marinate for at least a day (longer if preferred).
Read more: Crunchy Pickled Firecracker Eggplant: A Vietnamese Recipe
Tips
- Boil the pig's hands longer for a softer texture. The longer simmering time helps soften the tougher parts.
- Using brown sugar adds a richer color to the pickled pig's hands.
- Squeezing out excess fat before soaking is essential for keeping the soaking liquid clear and preventing spoilage.
- Ensure the pig's hands are completely submerged in the soaking liquid to prevent spoilage and ensure even flavor distribution.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 150-200g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 150-180g
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of pig's feet?
While pig's feet are traditional, you can experiment with other fatty cuts like pork belly or shoulder for similar results. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
2. How long can I store the pickled pig's feet?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, these pickled pig's feet will last for about a week. Make sure they are fully submerged in the brine.
3. What if my pig's feet aren't crispy enough?
Ensure your pig's feet are completely dry before frying. You may need to increase the frying time or use a higher temperature to achieve extra crispiness.
This simple recipe unlocks the unique and delicious flavors of pickled pig's feet, a treasured part of the Tet celebration. With a little time and effort, you can create a truly memorable dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and experience the satisfying crunch and rich taste of this traditional Vietnamese treat!