Ingredients:

• Pig Front Trotters: 2

• Oil: 20 grams

• Salt: To taste

• Bean Paste: To taste

• Pepper: To taste

• Red Pepper: To taste

• Ginger: A few slices

• Cinnamon: 1 stick

• Star Anise: 1-2

• Bay Leaves: A few

Production Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Trotters

• Choose front trotters for more meat and collagen. Scrap any remaining hair, chop it into small pieces, and place it in a cooking pot. Add clean water and a few slices of ginger.

Step 2: Blanch the Trotters

• Boil the trotters on high heat for about 5 minutes. This removes excess fat and impurities, ensuring a clean taste without a greasy texture.

Step 3: Stir-fry the Spicy Sauce

• Heat the oil in a pan and add the bean paste. Stir-fry over low heat until the red oil is released. Then add the peppercorns, red pepper slices, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves, stirring until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Soup Base

• Pour enough water into the pot with the spicy oil, add salt, and bring to a boil. Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of the bean paste. Pour the blanched trotters into a clean casserole, then add the spicy soup.

Step 5: Cook the Trotters

• Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for about 50 minutes. If needed, add boiling water during the cooking process. The trotters should be soft, glutinous, and elastic, quickly coming off the bone.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy spicy pork trotters, a delicious dish that is not greasy, chewy, tender, or smooth. It's perfect for pairing with rice!

Nutritional Benefits:

Pig’s trotters are rich in collagen, known for enhancing skin elasticity and preventing wrinkles. They are often regarded as “beauty food” and can be a healthy addition to your diet.

Tips:

1. Choose Quality Trotters:
Select fresh front trotters for more meat and collagen, ensuring a tender and flavorful dish.

2. Thoroughly Clean Trotters:
Scrap any remaining hair and rinse the trotters well to remove impurities before cooking.

3. Blanch Properly:
Blanching the trotters is crucial to removing excess fat and unpleasant odors. Could you boil them for about 5 minutes?

4. Use Enough Spices:
Don’t skimp on spices like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise. They enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.

5. Adjust Seasonings to Taste:
When adding salt and other seasonings, start with smaller amounts and adjust according to your preference, especially considering the saltiness of the bean paste.

6. Maintain Cooking Temperature:
Bring the soup to a boil and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This helps the trotters become tender without overcooking.

7. Add Boiling Water Only:
If you need to add water during cooking, use boiling water to avoid lowering the cooking temperature, which can affect the texture of the trotters.