Korean Braised Pork Trotters

Ingredients

• 2.2 lbs (1 kg) pork trotters 2.2 lbs (1 kg) pork trotters
• 1 cup (240 ml) soy sauce 1 cup (240 ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) rice wine 1/2 cup (120 ml) rice wine
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) mirin 1/4 cup (60 ml) mirin
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-inch (5 cm) piece of ginger, sliced 2-inch (5 cm) piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 star anise 4 star anise
• 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the pork trotters in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes to remove any impurities. Drain and rinse the trotters.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
3. 3.
   Add the pork trotters back into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the trotters are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. 4.
   Remove the trotters from the pot and transfer to a serving platter. Discard the cinnamon sticks and star anise.
5. 5.
   In a small pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the green onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
6. 6.
   Pour the sautéed green onions and sesame oil over the pork trotters. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
7. 7.
   Serve the Korean Braised Pork Trotters hot with steamed rice and kimchi.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork trotters — Make sure to clean the trotters thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities and odor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few slices of red chili pepper to the braising liquid.
• Serve the Jokbal with a side of pickled radish or kimchi for a refreshing contrast of flavors.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the braising liquid after removing the trotters and use it as a glaze.

Serving advice

Serve the Korean Braised Pork Trotters as a main dish alongside steamed rice, kimchi, and pickled radish. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the glossy and caramelized pork trotters on a large platter, placing them neatly and overlapping slightly. Drizzle the sautéed green onions and sesame oil over the trotters, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an attractive finishing touch.