Chinese cuisine

Introduction:

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, there are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as spicy sauce pigs knuckles. This dish, also known as la zhao you zhi in Chinese, is a classic example of how spicy flavors can enhance the taste of a dish. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork with a rich and spicy sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. In this article, we will explore a simple yet effective homemade recipe for spicy sauce pigs knuckles that you can easily prepare at home.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to gather the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

• 2-3 pigs knuckles (about 1.5-2 kg in total)
• 2 tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 tbsp of rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp of honey or sugar
• 2 tbsp of chili paste (such as Sichuan chili sauce or Korean gochujang)
• 2 tbsp of sesame oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp of Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
• 1 tbsp of salt
• 1 tbsp of black pepper
• 1 cup of water or chicken broth
• 1 bunch of green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Pigs Knuckles

The first step in making spicy sauce pigs knuckles is to prepare the pigs knuckles. Start by washing the pigs knuckles thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the surface of the meat. This will help ensure that the sauce can penetrate the meat evenly and that the final dish is not too greasy.

Step 2: Marinating the Pigs Knuckles

Once the pigs knuckles are clean and trimmed, it’s time to marinate them. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), chili paste, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, Sichuan peppercorns (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Add the pigs knuckles to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pigs knuckles marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Browning the Pigs Knuckles

After the pigs knuckles have marinated, it’s time to brown them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat up some oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated pigs knuckles to the pot, making sure not to crowd the pot too much. Brown the pigs knuckles on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes per side. This step will help lock in the flavors and create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.

Step 4: Adding the Sauce and Cooking

Once the pigs knuckles are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the marinade that was used (without the solid ingredients like garlic and ginger) to the pot. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. Then, return the pigs knuckles to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover the pigs knuckles by about an inch. Stir to combine everything well.

Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure that the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot and that the pigs knuckles are evenly coated. After 2 hours, check the progress of the dish. The pigs knuckles should be tender and falling off the bone, and the sauce should be thick and rich. If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few more minutes without the lid.

Step 5: Finalizing and Garnishing

When the pigs knuckles are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the meat to firm up slightly and make it easier to slice. Transfer the pigs knuckles to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon some of the sauce over each serving and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• If you don’t have access to all these ingredients or want to make some substitutions, feel free to do so. For example, you can use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar or honey instead of sugar. The key is to balance the flavors to your liking.
• You can also add other spices or herbs such as star anise, cinnamon sticks, or bay leaves for additional depth of flavor. Just be sure not to add too many spices as they may overpower the dish.
• If you prefer a less spicy version, you can reduce the amount of chili paste or use a milder variety such as sweet chili sauce instead.
• This dish is also great for batch cooking as it freezes well. You can make a large batch and enjoy it over several meals throughout the week or month. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout before serving.

Conclusion:

Spicy sauce pigs knuckles are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender pork with a rich and flavorful sauce. By following this simple yet effective homemade recipe, you can easily prepare this dish at home and enjoy its unique taste and aroma. Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit! So give it a try and let us know how it turns out in your kitchen!