southern milk trotters

Braised Pork Trotters in Fermented Red Bean Curd: A Culinary Guide

Braised pork trotters in fermented red bean curd (南乳猪蹄) is a Cantonese delicacy beloved for its tender texture and umami-rich flavor. Here’s a simplified guide to recreating this dish at home.

Ingredients: 2 pork trotters (cleaned and chopped), 3-4 tbsp fermented red bean curd (crushed), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 5-6 slices of ginger, 2-3 cloves of garlic, 1 star anise, a pinch of five-spice powder, and water or stock to cover.

Steps:

1. Prepare the trotters: Blanch trotters in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities, then rinse and drain.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pot, stir-fry ginger, garlic, and star anise until fragrant. Add the crushed fermented red bean curd, cooking briefly to release its aroma.

3. Brown the trotters: Add trotters, searing until lightly golden. Pour in soy sauces, sugar, and five-spice powder, mixing well to coat.

4. Simmer: Add enough water to cover the trotters. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until tender. Skim excess oil occasionally.

5. Reduce sauce: Uncover and increase heat to thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze. Serve hot, garnished with sesame or cilantro.

Tips: For a deeper flavor, marinate the trotters overnight. Adjust bean curd and salt levels to taste. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Enjoy this savory-sweet classic that balances tradition and simplicity!