Best Easy Braised Pork Trotters Recipe

Pork trotters are slow-braised in soy sauce, rock sugar, and warming spices until the skin is gelatinous and deeply savory. Rich in collagen and protein, this traditional family dish is cherished in Chinese home cooking.

Cook 170 min Difficulty NORMAL 405 kcal
#high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork trotters, cleaned and cut into chunks 3 lbs
  • green onions 4 pieces
  • fresh ginger, sliced 2 oz
  • star anise 3 pieces
  • cinnamon stick 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce (light) 0.5 cup
  • dark soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • rock sugar 2.5 oz
  • Shaoxing wine 0.25 cup
  • water 3 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 9%
Protein 25 g 25%
Fat 30 g 66%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Blanch the pork trotters: Place the cleaned pork trotters in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove impurities.

  2. 2

    Aromatics prep: In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium heat. Add ginger slices, green onions, star anise, and cinnamon stick; stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Sear and sweeten: Add the blanched trotters to the aromatics and cook for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the rock sugar, stirring constantly until it melts and lightly caramelizes.

  4. 4

    Deglaze and braise: Pour in the Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and water. Stir to scrape up all browned bits, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and braise gently for 2.5–3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes.

  5. 5

    Final reduction and serve: Uncover the pot for the last 15 minutes and simmer over medium heat to reduce the sauce until glossy and thickened. Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a generous amount of gelatinous skin and sauce.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Braised Pork Trotters recipe?
The essential ingredient is pork trotters, which provide the dish's signature gelatinous texture and rich flavor. Their collagen content, released during long braising, defines the mouthfeel and makes this traditional recipe unique to Chinese home cooking.
Q. Why do I need to blanch the pork trotters first?
Blanching the pork trotters removes impurities and excess fat, ensuring a cleaner, clearer final sauce. This step sets the foundation for a savory and appetizing braise with well-defined flavors.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or undercooking the trotters?
It's important to simmer gently on the lowest heat after the initial boil. Stir every 45 minutes for even braising, and uncover only at the end to prevent drying out, ensuring the skin stays tender and gelatinous—not tough or rubbery.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving (220g) contains approximately 405 kcal and 25g of protein, making this dish relatively rich in protein and moderate in calories for a hearty traditional entree.
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