How to Make Fragrant and Appealing Salted Pork Leg at Home

How to prepare salted pig’s trotters

• 1

  Prepare the pig’s trotters

  When you buy the trotters, scrape off any hair, then use a mixture of salt and lemon juice to rub on the meat about 2 times until all the dirt is removed.

  Next, bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the meat for about 2 minutes, remove it, rinse with clean water, and use a knife to make a few cuts on the meat.

  Tips for cleaning trotters, ensuring no fishy smell

  • Method 1: Use a blowtorch with moderate heat until all the fine hairs are burned off, then rinse with clean water.
  • Method 2: Use vinegar (lemon, white wine) to rub on the pork, then rinse with water.
  • Method 3: Blanch the trotters in boiling water for about 2 – 3 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

  

  
• 2

  Marinate the pork leg

  Marinate the meat with 1.5 teaspoons of seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, then massage well to let the spices absorb into the meat.

  
• 3

  Wrap the pork leg

  Use string to wrap tightly around the pork leg, then bind the meat securely.

  Tip: The tighter you wrap the pork leg, the tastier it will be.

  

  
• 4

  Soak the meat

  Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in a pot of boiling water and let it cool.

  Put the meat in a container, then pour the diluted salt mixture over the meat, cover it, and place it in the fridge refrigerator to soak for 2 days.

  Tip: If the water does not fully submerge the meat, you can use a small fork to press down the excess meat.

  

  
• 5

  Prepare the smoking mixture

  Prepare a large pan, place aluminum foil in the bottom of the pan. Continue to add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice, 1 tablespoon of dry tea, then turn on the stove and cook until the sugar melts.

  
• 6

  Smoke the pork leg

  Place the steamer on top of the pot containing the smoking mixture as shown, then place the pork leg on top and cover, adjust the heat to low and smoke the meat for about 1 hour, turning the meat every 10 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.

  How to check if the meat is cooked: Check if the meat is cooked by using a toothpick to poke into the thickest part of the meat, if the meat is easily pierced, and a white liquid flows out with no pink liquid (blood in the meat), it means the meat is cooked.

  After smoking the meat for 1 hour, turn off the stove, leave the meat in the pan for about 30 minutes, then take it out and put it in the refrigerator for about 6 – 8 hours, finally take the meat out and slice it thinly to enjoy.

  

  

  

  
• 7

  Final product

  The salted pork leg when completed will have a distinctive appealing smoky aroma, the meat of the pork leg is tender and delicious, served with hot rice alongside the whole family is unbeatable!