Crispy Pork Knuckles with Tropical Twist

Ingredients

In this Oceanic adaptation, the traditional Croatian Pohane svinjske nogice is transformed into a tropical delight. The original dish is typically seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices, while this version incorporates Oceanic flavors such as ginger, lemongrass, and chili. Additionally, the dish is served with a pineapple and lime salsa, adding a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Pohane svinjske nogice, so you can check it out.

• 4 pork knuckles (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 4 pork knuckles (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste (30g) 2 tablespoons ginger paste (30g)
• 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste (30g) 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste (30g)
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (15g) 1 tablespoon chili paste (15g)
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1 cup cornstarch (120g) 1 cup cornstarch (120g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup cold water (240ml) 1 cup cold water (240ml)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the pineapple and lime salsa: For the pineapple and lime salsa:
• 1 cup diced pineapple (150g) 1 cup diced pineapple (150g)
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ginger paste, lemongrass paste, chili paste, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Add the pork knuckles to the bowl and rub the marinade all over them. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cold water until you have a smooth batter.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
6. 6.
   Dip each marinated pork knuckle into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
7. 7.
   Fry the pork knuckles for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Transfer the fried pork knuckles to a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
9. 9.
   While the pork knuckles are baking, prepare the pineapple and lime salsa by combining the diced pineapple, lime juice, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
10. 10.
    Once the pork knuckles are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Serve the crispy pork knuckles with the pineapple and lime salsa on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — Use fresh ginger root and grate it finely for the best flavor.
• Lemongrass — Trim the tough outer layers of the lemongrass stalks and finely chop the tender inner part.
• Chili — Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple for a burst of tropical sweetness. Canned pineapple can be used as a substitute if fresh is not available.
• Lime — Squeeze the limes just before preparing the salsa to ensure a fresh and tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, refrigerate the pork knuckles for 30 minutes after coating them in the batter before frying.
• Serve the dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice to balance the flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few slices of fresh chili to the pineapple and lime salsa.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits in the salsa, such as mango or papaya, for a unique twist.
• Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Pork Knuckles with Tropical Twist as a main course, accompanied by a side of steamed jasmine rice and the pineapple and lime salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy pork knuckles on a platter, drizzle the pineapple and lime salsa over them, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve the dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice in a separate bowl. The vibrant colors of the salsa and the golden brown pork knuckles will make for an enticing presentation.