Slow-Braised Pork Hock in Soy-Ginger Glaze

Ingredients

• 2 pork hocks (about 2 lbs / 900g each) 2 pork hocks (about 2 lbs / 900g each)
• 1 cup (240ml) soy sauce 1 cup (240ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) rice vinegar 1/2 cup (120ml) rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-inch (5cm) piece of ginger, sliced 2-inch (5cm) piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish) Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the pork hocks and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove the hocks from the pot and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pot, add the minced garlic and ginger slices. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Return the pork hocks to the pot and add enough chicken broth to cover them.
7. 7.
   Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. 8.
   Braise the pork hocks for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
9. 9.
   Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the pork hocks to a serving dish. Cover them with foil to keep warm.
10. 10.
    If desired, strain the braising liquid and return it to the pot. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
11. 11.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering liquid, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
12. 12.
    Pour the thickened sauce over the pork hocks and garnish with chopped green onions.
13. 13.
    Serve the Ginger-Glazed Pork Hock Delight with steamed rice and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork hocks — Make sure to choose pork hocks with a good amount of fat marbling, as this will contribute to the tenderness and flavor of the dish.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a high-quality soy sauce to ensure a rich and authentic taste.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger is preferred for its vibrant flavor. Peel the ginger before slicing it for the recipe.
• Star anise — This spice adds a unique licorice-like flavor. Use it sparingly, as it can be overpowering if too much is added.
• Cornstarch (optional) — If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the simmering liquid.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the pork hocks in the soy-ginger glaze overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the amount of honey in the recipe.
• To achieve a more caramelized finish, broil the pork hocks for a few minutes after braising.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a delicious meal later on.
• Serve the dish with a side of pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Ginger-Glazed Pork Hock Delight as the centerpiece of a Filipino feast. Place the pork hocks on a large platter, drizzle them with the thickened glaze, and garnish with chopped green onions. Accompany the dish with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, arrange the pork hocks on individual serving plates, placing them on a bed of steamed rice. Drizzle the glaze over the meat and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve with a side of pickled vegetables and enjoy the visual appeal of this mouthwatering dish.