Craving a unique and flavorful culinary adventure? Look no further than this irresistible recipe for Low Soy Quails & Pig Ears, a dish that masterfully blends savory and slightly sweet notes. Forget bland appetizers – this recipe elevates humble ingredients into a sophisticated and satisfying experience. The perfectly tender quail, combined with the satisfying chew of the pig ears, creates a delightful textural contrast, all brought together by a remarkably simple yet deeply flavorful dipping sauce. This isn't your grandma's appetizer; it's a culinary journey waiting to be embarked upon.
The secret lies in the perfectly balanced dipping sauce, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami notes that perfectly complements the richness of the quail and pig ears. Ready to unlock the secrets to this unforgettable dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own Low Soy Quails & Pig Ears, complete with the incredible dipping sauce that makes this recipe truly shine.
Tools Needed
- Pot
Ingredients
- Pig ears: 1 pair
- Quails: 6
- Five-spice marinade: 1 bottle
- Light soy sauce: 1 bottle
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Water: 6 cups
- Sesame oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Remove fine hair from pig's ears using hot water and scraping.
- Rinse quails thoroughly inside and out.
- Blanch pig ears and quails in boiling water, then rinse under cool water. Double-check pig ears for any remaining hair.
Step 2. Simmer in Master Dipping Sauce
- Heat up your master dipping sauce (recipe below).
- Add pig ears and quails to the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
- After about 10 minutes, remove the quails (they cook faster).
- Continue simmering pig ears until cooked through (check color and texture).
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Slice pig ears into strips.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the pig ears.
Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe
Tips
- Pig ears have a crunchy cottage texture and become soft and gel-like when braised.
- Don't overcook the quails, as they become tough.
- The master dipping sauce gets more flavorful the more you use it!
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 120-160g
- Carbs: 150-200g
- Protein: 100-130g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute other meats for the quail and pig ears?
While quail and pig ears provide a unique texture and flavor, you could potentially substitute other meats with similar textures. Chicken wings or smaller cuts of pork belly could work, but the overall taste will be different.
2. How can I make the dipping sauce spicier?
Easily! Add a pinch of chili flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely minced chili pepper to the dipping sauce while it's simmering. Taste and adjust to your preferred spice level.
3. How far in advance can I prepare the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Its flavors will deepen, actually improving with time. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
This Low Soy Quails & Pig Ears recipe, complete with its irresistible dipping sauce, is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite appetizer. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it a truly memorable culinary experience. So gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on this delicious adventure!