Dive into the comforting world of Chinese cuisine with this hearty and flavorful Pig Feet & Soybean Stew. This recipe isn't just delicious; it's a nutritional powerhouse, boasting collagen-rich pig feet that contribute to healthy skin and joints, and protein-packed soybeans for sustained energy. The rich, savory broth is a symphony of textures and tastes, a perfect balance of tender pig feet, earthy soybeans, and aromatic spices. This traditional dish is surprisingly easy to make, offering a rewarding culinary experience for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy preparations; this Pig Feet & Soybean Stew is surprisingly simple to execute. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deeply satisfying and deeply flavorful stew that's perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting weekend meal. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's move on to the detailed, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through making this incredible dish.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Stove
Ingredients
- Pig feet: 1 foot, cut into small pieces
- Soybeans
- Ginger
- Chinese cooking alcohol: 3 tablespoons
- Rock sugar: 20g
- Soy sauce
- Spring onion
- Garlic
- Star anise: 2
- Cinnamon stick
- Cloves
- Five spice powder
- Tomato sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dark soy sauce: 0.5 tablespoon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pig Feet
- Clean the pig feet by cooking them in hot water with ginger and Chinese cooking alcohol for about 15 minutes.
Step 2. Caramelize and Season
- Melt rock sugar in a pot over medium-low heat until it's melted and slightly darker in color. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the pig feet to the melted sugar, stirring constantly.
- Add soy sauce (for color), more Chinese cooking alcohol (or rice wine), spring onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, five spice powder, and tomato sauce.
Step 3. Simmer with Soybeans
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pig feet are tender (about 30-40 minutes). Add cold water as needed and stir occasionally.
- Add soaked soybeans (soaked for at least 30 minutes, or 3 hours if possible). Continue to simmer until the soybeans are cooked through.
- If needed, add dark soy sauce for deeper color.
Step 4. Thicken and Serve
- Reduce the sauce over low heat until thickened.
- Serve hot.
Read more: Authentic Cantonese Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Soaking soybeans for 3 hours before cooking is recommended, but 30 minutes is acceptable if short on time.
- Adding cold water during cooking prevents burning and helps maintain moisture.
- Cooking for 2 hours results in extra tender meat.
- Chinese cooking alcohol or rice wine helps reduce the smell of the pork.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 50-70g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pig feet?
Yes, but thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents a tough texture.
2. How can I make the stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
This Chinese Pig Feet & Soybean Stew is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. Enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors and the nutritional benefits this hearty dish provides. From your kitchen to your table, savor this comforting and delicious culinary experience.