cold dressing pig ears

How to Make Crispy Pig Ears: A Versatile Cold Dish

Pig ear salad, a beloved Chinese appetizer, delights with its crunchy texture and zesty, savory flavors. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients: 2 pig ears, 5 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp chili oil, 1 cucumber (julienned), 1 tbsp cilantro (chopped), salt, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorn powder.

Steps:

1. Prepare the ears: Boil pig ears in water with ginger and a pinch of salt for 20 minutes until tender. Cool, then slice into thin strips.

2. Make the dressing: Mix minced garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, sugar, and a dash of salt. Adjust flavors to balance sweet, sour, and spicy.

3. Combine: Toss ear strips with cucumber, cilantro, and dressing. Sprinkle Sichuan peppercorn powder for a numbing kick.

4. Chill and serve: Let marinate for 10 minutes. Serve cold, garnished with extra cilantro or sesame seeds.

Tips: For extra crunch, briefly blanch ears in ice water after boiling. Customize add-ins with shredded carrots or peanuts. This dish pairs perfectly with cold beer and makes a vibrant addition to any feast!