Pig trotters. They are one of the most common and delicious ingredients. The Germans got crispy fried pork knuckles. The Greek does a mean roast pork leg, and the Italians have their variations too. The Chinese love their pork trotters slow-braised to perfection.
Braised pork trotters, cooked for hours in a dark soy sauce-base braising liquid, have irresistible tender meat, covered by a layer of gelatinous fats that’s collagen-lover’s paradise. It takes a long time to prepare and needs to be done well so no gamey smell remains in the dish.
When cooked right, a portion of braised pork trotter is perfect on its own. There should be no greasy taste, but layers of delight in every bite.
What are pork trotters and what are their benefits?
Pork trotters, or pig’s trotters, refer to the pig’s feet (hoofs) and calves. In China, it is also called Yuan Shou. In the Chinese world, trotters are one of the most frequently eaten parts, and there are many different cooking practices. The trotters are rich in collagen and have a lower fat content. It can prevent dry skin wrinkles, and enhance skin elasticity and toughness. And it has special significance for delaying ageing and can also promote growth and development in children. Interestingly, it is also said to fight coronary heart diseases.
How can you best enjoy braised pork trotters?
Every family and every eatery have their own variation of recipes to prepare braised pork trotters. The most basic ingredient in most braising liquids would be ginger, crystal sugar, cooking wine, light soy sauce and dark soy sauce.
A well-braised pork trotter should be evenly coloured dark brown all over, and the taste a balance of savoury-sweetness. Biting into it, the layer of fats enveloping the entire trotter should be nicely firm and bouncy, yet easy to bite into. The fats should melt-in-your-mouth, without leaving an oily aftertaste. The chunks of meat within should have soaked up the braising liquid and are delicious in every bite.
Essentially, a well-prepared braised pork trotter is adequate to be eaten on its own. However, they are a delight too when served as part of a feast. Here, we share some dishes and pairing carbs that we think go really well with braised pork trotters.
Herbal Bak Kut Teh
You may scoff at the idea of pairing meat with meat, but the two pork-based dishes cannot be more different, and complementing. While braised pork trotters are slightly on the heavier side in terms of taste, herbal bak kut teh is lighter and will serve as a nice palette cleanser.
Klang-style herbal bak kut teh features well-cooked pieces of pork ribs in a delicious broth, that you will guarantee to slurp up till the last spoonful. Have a bowl of plain rice, and you will find yourself alternating between the two pork dishes. If you feel guilty over a load of meat consumed, gather your family or friend(s) and enjoy the two dishes together.
Fried Porridge
Another Klang speciality that’s great with braised pork trotter, fried porridge drives up the homely vibes of the two comfort foods. Porridge is fried in a wok to bring out its umami-ness, with accompanying ingredients added for the bite.
A popular fried porridge Singapore option that pairs well with braised pork trotters is the mixed pig’s organ fried porridge. A myriad of textures from the different pig’s organs in the porridge is already a plus point, and when you have braised pork trotters as well, the explosion of tastes will be a treat.
Don’t forget to order a portion of You Tiao as well. It’s a lovely side dish to have with fried porridge, and great for dipping and soaking up the braising sauce of the pork trotter.
Wheat Vermicelli
Wheat vermicelli, or mee sua, is a type of thin noodle that originated in Fujian province in China. There are many ways to prepare mee sua, such as having it as a noodle soup or stir-frying it.
Mee sua is considered a lighter alternative to other types of noodles. Because it is made with wheat, it easily absorbs the liquid it is cooked in or mixed with. It is soft and has an interesting bite and texture. And when paired with braised pork trotters, they become a perfect pairing. You can mix the braising liquid with a portion of fried mee sua and elevate the taste. Or enjoy the simple comfort of a bowl of herbal mee sua soup with the pork trotters.
Enjoy Braised Pork Trotters at Feng Xiang
Prepared according to a heritage recipe passed down through generations, Feng Xiang’s Braised Pork Trotters is the real deal. Lovingly cooked for long hours each day, with an ‘old braising liquid’ (lao lu) that’s kept broiling throughout, every portion of pork trotters served here is simply good.
And you’ll be delighted to know that Feng Xiang serves up many other Klang specialities that pair superbly well with their braised pork trotters. From fried porridge in six tantalising varieties (including mixed pig’s organs), fried mee sua and herbal mee sua, as well as their signature Herbal Bak Kut Teh, you can be free to take your pick.
Make a trip to Feng Xiang today at these locations:
- Fernvale Hawker Centre & CC (nearest MRT station: Sengkang)
- Food Republic @ BreadTalk iHQ (nearest MRT station: Tai Seng)
- Food Republic @ VivoCity (nearest MRT station: HarbourFront)
- Food Republic @ Parkway Parade (nearest MRT station: Dakota)
- Kopitiam @ AMK Hub (nearest MRT station: Ang Mo Kio)
- Kopitiam Food Hall @ JEM (nearest MRT station: Jurong East)
- Kopitiam @ Northpoint City (nearest MRT station: Yishun)
- Lau Pa Sat (nearest MRT station: Downtown)
- Senja Hawker Centre (nearest MRT station: Bukit Panjang)
Alternatively, find Feng Xiang on your preferred food delivery apps!