If you’re a fan of Pork dishes, you might want to try braised trotters. A single portion of braised trotters contains around 179 Calories, making it a delicious but healthy dish to add to your diet.
Braised trotters are a dish that originates from Chinese cuisine. It is a flavorful and hearty dish made by cooking pig's trotters in a sweet and savory sauce until they become tender and succulent.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about braised trotters, including their nutritional value, cooking tips, and health benefits.
What are braised trotters?
Braised trotters, as the name suggests, are made by braising pig’s trotters in a flavorful liquid until they become tender and succulent. The dish is usually created by simmering pig's trotters with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and spices such as ginger and garlic. The resulting dish is a delicious mix of sweet, savory and savory flavors. Braised trotters are a popular dish in many Asian countries, including China, Korea, and Vietnam. In China, they are often served at celebrations and family reunions.
Nutritional value of braised trotters
Braised trotters may not be the healthiest dish out there but it does come with some nutritional benefits. A single portion of braised trotters contains around 179 Calories, with 12g of Protein and 8g of fat. Pig's trotters are also rich in Collagen, which is beneficial for your skin and joints. Collagen is a protein that provides structure to your skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. Consuming collagen-rich foods like braised trotters may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation and improve skin health. However, due to their high fat content, they should be consumed in moderation.
How to cook braised trotters
Braised trotters are a simple dish to cook but they do take a few hours to prepare. Here’s a recipe to help you get started:
- Clean and blanch pig's trotters in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
- In a separate pot, heat up some oil and sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the pig's trotters and fry until lightly browned.
- Add Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, and water to the pot and let it simmer for 3-4 hours or until the trotters are tender.
Serve hot with rice or noodles!
Famous dishes made with braised trotters
Braised trotters are a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world. Here are a few famous dishes made with braised trotters:
- Hongshao Rou (red-braised pork) in China
- Tteok-bokki (spicy Korean rice cakes)
- Banh mi op la (Vietnamese baguette with egg and braised pork trotters)
Each of these dishes offers a unique taste and texture that's sure to leave you craving for more.
Braised trotters vs other pork dishes
Compared to other Pork dishes, braised trotters offer a unique taste and texture. Here are a few comparisons between braised trotters and other popular pork dishes:
- Pork belly: Braised trotters have a tender and fatty texture that's similar to pork belly but with a richer flavor.
- Pork ribs: Braised trotters are softer and more succulent than pork ribs, but they are also richer in fat.
In short, if you're a fan of pork, you must try braised trotters for their unique taste and texture!
Health benefits of braised trotters
Braised trotters contain Collagen, which is excellent for your skin and joints. Collagen is a type of Protein that gives structure to your skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. It may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation and improve skin health. In addition, braised trotters are also rich in iron and zinc, which are essential minerals for your body. Iron helps to transport oxygen to your cells, while zinc helps to support your immune system and wound healing. However, due to their high fat content, braised trotters should be consumed in moderation.
The history of braised trotters
Braised trotters are a dish with a long history in Chinese cuisine. They were originally created as a way to use up the leftover parts of the pig that were often discarded by wealthier families. However, over time, the dish became more popular and became a staple in many Chinese households. Today, braised trotters are enjoyed in many Asian countries and have become a popular dish in many restaurants around the world.
How to store braised trotters
If you have leftover braised trotters, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze braised trotters for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the trotters in a pot with some water and bring to a simmer. Cook until heated through and enjoy!
Side dishes to pair with braised trotters
Braised trotters go well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas for side dishes to pair with braised trotters:
- Steamed rice or noodles: Simple steamed rice or noodles are the perfect accompaniment to braised trotters.
- Bok choy: Stir-fried bok choy adds a fresh and crunchy texture to your meal.
- Chinese radish soup: A hot and savory soup is a great way to balance the richness of braised trotters.
Where to find the best braised trotters
Braised trotters can be found in many Asian restaurants around the world. However, if you want to try some of the best braised trotters, you should visit these places:
- Beijing, China: Da Dong Roast Duck is a popular restaurant that serves some of the best braised trotters in the city.
- Seoul, South Korea: Gwangjang Market is a famous food market that serves a variety of street foods, including braised trotters.
- Hanoi, Vietnam: Banh Mi 25 is a popular sandwich shop that serves a delicious banh mi with braised pork trotters.
If you can't visit these places, you can always try cooking braised trotters at home!
Braised trotters are a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and savory flavors.
FAQs about Braised Trotters
1. What are braised trotters?
Braised trotters, also known as pig's feet, are a popular dish made by slow-cooking the pig's feet in liquid until they become tender and flavorful. They are a common dish in many cultures and can be served in various ways.
2. How many Calories are in a portion of braised trotters?
A portion of braised trotters contains around 179 calories. However, this may vary depending on how they are prepared.
3. Are braised trotters healthy for you?
Braised trotters are rich in Collagen, Protein, and various vitamins and minerals. However, they are also high in fat and calories. Therefore, it is advisable to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. How can I prepare braised trotters at home?
You can prepare braised trotters at home by firstly cleaning them thoroughly and boiling them in water to remove any impurities. Then you can season them with your preferred spices and herbs and cook them in your desired liquid, such as broth or wine, for several hours on low heat. You can then serve them with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes or Vegetables.
5. Are braised trotters easily accessible?
Braised trotters may not be easily accessible in all areas. However, they are often found in specialty meat markets or ethnic grocery stores. You may also be able to find them online through specialty food retailers.