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As Tet approaches and spring unfolds, Vietnamese families eagerly prepare delectable dishes. Among these, the tradition of cooking pork to perfection is a timeless culinary delight. Join Mytour today to learn the secrets of crafting this dish for a delightful Tet celebration.
1. Introduction to Winter-Cooked Pork
As the chilly Tet days approach, many families opt for the savory delight of winter-cooked pork. This dish, not only delicious and nutritious, gains significance for its ability to symbolize harmony and the bonds of affection among family members over an extended period.
Winter meat primarily uses pork, specifically the leg meat, along with ingredients like mushrooms, pig skin, etc. After preparation, refrigerate it, and the cooked meat will solidify. When serving, just invert it for a delicious winter meat dish. This is a cold dish, and pairing it with hot rice enhances the refreshing sensation.
Not only a delicious dish, winter-cooked pork is also rich in nutrients such as protein for the body, zinc, and vitamin B6 for blood circulation, and more.
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2. Winter-Cooked Pork with Leg Meat and Mushrooms
After getting to know the secrets of preparing braised pork, you might find yourself in a dilemma about the cooking formula for this dish. So let's join hands with us to prepare and cook this dish right away.
| Khẩu phần | Thời gian chuẩn bị | Thời gian nấu | Tổng thời gian |
| 3 – 4 người | 60 phút | 50 phút | 1 giờ 50 phút |
Ingredients preparation
- Pork leg meat: 700g
- Wood ear mushrooms: 40g
- Shiitake mushrooms: 40g
- Carrot: 1 piece
- Onion: 1/2 piece
- Ginger: 1 small piece
- Shallot: 2 – 3 pieces
- Seasonings: Fish sauce, salt/stock powder, seasoning powder, cooking oil, peppercorns, etc.
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Preparing Braised Pork with Pork Leg and Wood Ear Mushrooms
Step 1: Ingredient Preparation
Choose pork meat near the pork leg. After purchasing, clean it thoroughly. If there are any remaining hairs, you can scorch the pork leg over the fire. Then, rub a little coarse salt all over the pork leg and soak it in a bit of rice-washing water for about 5 – 7 minutes, then remove. Rinse again with clean water and cut into bite-sized pieces.
As for wood ear mushrooms, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. After the mushrooms expand, wash them thoroughly to remove any sliminess and impurities, then proceed to cut into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and clean the carrots, then trim them into flower shapes. To maintain the fresh and delicious color of the carrots, blanch them in diluted mosquito coil water for about 2 – 3 minutes, then scoop them out and soak them in a bowl of cold water.
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Step 2: Marinate the Pork for Braising
After preparing and cutting the pork into bite-sized pieces for 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of MSG, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well and marinate for about 25 – 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the seasonings.
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Step 3: Sautéing the Meat and Mushrooms
Heat the pan, add cooking oil, and wait for the oil to heat up before sautéing the purple onions until fragrant. Next, add the marinated pork mixture and sauté until the meat firms up, about 5 minutes, then transfer the meat to another pot. Then, add oil to the pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. After that, add the entire prepared wood ear mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms, season with a little seasoning salt and MSG for richness.
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Step 4: Cooking the Braised Pork
In the next step, pour enough water to cover the meat and simmer until the meat boils, then reduce the heat. During cooking, remember to skim off the foam regularly to keep the braised pork clear. Cook for about 20 – 30 minutes until the meat feels tender but not too mushy. Then, add the sautéed mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms and simmer for another 10 minutes before turning off the heat. Before turning off the heat, taste and season again, then sprinkle a bit of finely ground pepper.
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Step 5: Garnishing the Braised Pork
Take a bowl or dish of your preferred shape, then place the braised pork in it. Let it cool and put it in the refrigerator for a few hours until the pork sets. Afterward, use carrots to create decorative flower patterns for an appealing presentation.
- Explore more: Unique Soft Bone Soup with Pumpkin
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3. Achieving the Final Presentation of Braised Pork
Congratulations! You've successfully completed the super simple braised pork dish. Before indulging, flip the bowl upside down and cut into bite-sized pieces. This is a flavorful, delicious, and easy-to-eat dish packed with nutrients. Braised pork paired with pickled shallots and pickled radishes makes it a complete treat for the Tet holiday.
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4. Tips for Cooking Delicious Braised Pork
- Use the front leg of the pig to braise the pork as it has fewer bones and more meat.
- To make the meat softer, consider using a pressure cooker for cooking. It will also reduce the cooking time.
- After taking the braised pork out of the refrigerator, consume it within 5 – 6 hours for the best taste.
- Marinate the meat before cooking to enhance the flavor absorption.
- Pair the braised pork with pickled radishes and pickled shallots to avoid feeling too heavy.
Here is the step-by-step guide to making the braised pork dish, simple and convenient. We hope you'll succeed in applying this recipe from Mytour Blog. Wishing you success in preparing this delightful dish for your family during the traditional Tet days.
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- 2 Ways to Cook Stir-Fried Pork with Bell Peppers
- Secrets to Cooking Young Rib Curry
