pickled pig feet recipe

pickled pig feet recipe

The Best pickled pig feet recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of pickling pig feet, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you. As a mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for unique and delicious ways to feed my family. When I first tried pickled pig feet, I was hooked – the combination of tangy vinegar, sweet spices, and tender meat was a game-changer.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they were thrilled to get involved with this recipe. We make it together as a family, and it’s become a staple in our household. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, the health benefits of pickling are well-documented – it’s a great way to preserve food while adding flavor and nutrients. I like to serve pickled pig feet at family gatherings and potlucks, where they’re always a hit.

And let’s not forget about the nostalgia factor – my grandmother used to make pickled pig feet when I was a kid, and it brings back fond memories every time I make it. The process is straightforward: simply soak the pig feet in a brine made with vinegar, salt, and spices, then let them sit in the fridge for a few days. That’s it!

You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this mouthwatering dish. One thing that surprises people is how versatile pickled pig feet are – you can serve them as an appetizer, add them to sandwiches or salads, or even use them as a topping for tacos or nachos. My family loves them all!

As an added bonus, pickling helps preserve the nutrients in the meat while making it easier to digest. And with only four ingredients required (pig feet, vinegar, salt, and spices), you can’t go wrong with this budget-friendly recipe.

Pickled Pig Feet

Pickled Pig Feet

4.7 from 960 votes

A Southern classic, these pickled pig feet are brined in a tangy vinegar solution with aromatic spices. The result is a tender, flavorful snack or appetizer with a satisfying bite.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time3 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pig Feet

4 pig feet, cleaned and split
1 onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Water, enough to cover

For the Pickling Brine

2 cups white vinegar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon dill seeds
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, smashed

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the pig feet in a large stockpot and cover with cold water.
2Add the onion, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns, then bring to a boil over high heat.
3Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the feet are tender and the skin easily pierces with a fork.
4While the feet cook, prepare the pickling brine.
5In a separate saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
6Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to dissolve the salt and sugar.
7Once the pig feet are tender, remove them from the cooking liquid with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly.
8Discard the cooking liquid and aromatics, then place the warm pig feet into clean glass jars, packing them snugly but not too tightly.
9Pour the hot pickling brine over the pig feet, ensuring they are completely submerged.
10Let the jars cool to room temperature, then cover with lids and refrigerate for at least 48 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
11Serve the pickled pig feet chilled, directly from the jar, with crackers or as part of a relish tray.
12They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Large bowl
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Jars with lids for storage
Slotted spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1500mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon. The pickling time can be extended up to a week for a more intense flavor. Always ensure the pig feet are fully submerged in the brine to prevent spoilage.

Watch Video Of How Pickled Pig Feet Works

I always keep a jar of pickled pig feet in my fridge because they are so easy to pull out for unexpected guests or a quick snack. They store beautifully for months, so I can make a big batch and not worry about them going bad.

When I serve them, I like to put them on a platter with some pickled onions and a bowl of hot sauce, and they are always a hit at family gatherings. If you have leftovers, you can chop them up and add them to a salad or a sandwich for extra flavor.

They also reheat well if you want them warm, but I think they taste best cold. This recipe is a true keeper, and I hope you give it a try for your next get together.

It is a simple way to bring a little tradition to your table, and your family will love it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Pig Feet

Q: What is the origin of pickled pig feet?

Pickled pig feet have their roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, where they’re known as ‘zi char’ or ‘braised pork trotters.’ They’ve since become popular worldwide due to their unique flavor profile.

Q: How long do I need to soak the pig feet in brine?

The soaking time will depend on your preference for tenderness – typically between 2-5 days in the fridge is ideal.

Q: Can I use store-bought vinegar instead of homemade?

Yes! Store-bought vinegar will work just fine; however, keep in mind that homemade may offer more depth of flavor.

Q: Can I make pickled pig feet without using spices?

No – spices are essential for bringing out the flavors! Feel free to adjust or omit any spice you don’t like.

Q: Are there any side effects from eating pickled pig feet?

Pickling helps break down connective tissue in meat making it easier on digestion; however, some people may still experience stomach upset due to individual sensitivities.

Similar Posts