Black vinegar pork trotters, or zu niang jiao, is a beloved Chinese comfort food renowned for its rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. This dish, a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforms humble pig's trotters into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. The glistening, dark-colored meat, infused with the deep umami of black vinegar, is a true indulgence, offering a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy kitchen in a bustling Chinese city. This seemingly simple recipe packs a complex flavor punch, a result of careful ingredient selection and attentive cooking.
Beyond the mouthwatering description, preparing black vinegar pork trotters is surprisingly straightforward. For a step-by-step guide that will lead you to culinary success, ensuring perfectly tender and flavorful trotters, continue reading below to embark on this delightful cooking adventure. We'll cover everything from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the perfect cooking time.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cooking utensils
Ingredients
- Pork trotters
- Ginger slices
- Cooking wine
- Cooking oil
- Sesame oil
- Dry spices
- Rock sugar
- Red
- Mushrooms
- Boiled eggs
- Water: 500 ml
- Dark soya sauce
- Black vinegar: 1/2 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Trotters
- Plunge the pork trotters in boiling water with ginger slices and cooking wine for 10 minutes to remove impurities.
- Fish out the pork trotters and set aside.
Step 2. Build the Flavor Base and Braise
- Add cooking oil and sesame oil to a pot and toast dry spices and ginger until fragrant.
- Add rock sugar and red (presumably red dates or other red ingredient).
- Add the blanched pork trotters to the pot.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooking wine to deglaze the pan.
- Add 1/2 cup of black vinegar, mushrooms, and boiled eggs.
- Add 500ml of water and a splash of dark soya sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Step 3. Simmer to Perfection
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the tender pork trotters with the braising sauce over rice.
Read more: Authentic Cantonese Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- The braising sauce is delicious!
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy black vinegar?
Black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar or Zhenjiang vinegar) can be found in Asian grocery stores, some larger supermarkets, or online retailers.
2. Can I use other types of vinegar instead of black vinegar?
While other vinegars can be substituted, black vinegar provides the unique deep flavor and color. Balsamic vinegar is a somewhat comparable alternative, but the result will taste different.
3. How do I know when the pork trotters are cooked?
The pork trotters are done when they are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.
Enjoy your perfectly tender and flavorful black vinegar pork trotters! This dish is a rewarding experience, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. We hope this recipe has inspired you to try this delicious and comforting Chinese classic.