Boiled pig’s feet, or “chân giò luộc” as we say in Vietnamese, might not be the most glamorous dish, but let me tell you, it’s a true comfort food. Imagine tender, gelatinous pig’s feet infused with fragrant spices, perfect for a chilly evening or a hearty family meal. This recipe will guide you through making this classic dish, and trust me, it’s much easier than you think!
Ingredients for Delicious Boiled Pig’s Feet
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 2 pounds pig’s feet, cleaned and split
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 8 cups water
Optional ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (for a richer flavor)
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
Tools of the Trade
Keep these handy:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep the pig’s feet: Rinse the pig’s feet thoroughly under cold water. This ensures they are clean and removes any impurities.
- Parboil for a cleaner taste: In your large pot, add the pig’s feet, onion, garlic, and ginger. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the pig’s feet under cold water again. This step helps remove any impurities and ensures a cleaner flavor.
- Building the flavorful broth: Return the pig’s feet to the pot and add 8 cups of fresh water. Toss in the star anise, cinnamon stick, salt, and peppercorns. If you’re using fish sauce, carrot, and celery, add them now too!
- Low and slow is the key: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the pig’s feet are very tender. The long simmering time allows the collagen to break down, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
- Test for tenderness: To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part of a pig’s foot with a fork. It should go in easily.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Boiled Pig’s Feet
- Choosing your pig’s feet: Look for pig’s feet that are pink and plump, indicating freshness. Your local butcher is a great resource for high-quality cuts.
- Don’t skip the parboil: While it seems like an extra step, parboiling the pig’s feet helps eliminate any gamey taste and results in a cleaner-tasting broth.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt and spices to your liking. You can also add other aromatics like bay leaves or cloves.
Plating Your Masterpiece
While boiled pig’s feet are delicious on their own, try serving them with:
- Steamed rice for soaking up the flavorful broth
- A side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
- Your favorite dipping sauce, like chili sauce or soy sauce with sliced chilies
Boiled Pig's Feet Simmering in a Pot
Plated Boiled Pig's Feet
Boiled pig’s feet may not be the prettiest dish, but they offer an incredibly satisfying and flavorful experience. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You might be surprised at how much you love it! Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with in the comments below.
