Boiled pig’s ears is a popular rustic dish, loved by many for its crispy texture. Boiled pig’s ears can be enjoyed with salt and lime, fish sauce, or used to soak in fish sauce, and mixed in various salads. When preparing pig’s ears at home, people often encounter the problem of the boiled pig’s ears turning dark and not crispy.
To solve this problem, save the following tips:
How to choose good pig’s ears
When buying pig’s ears, you should observe the color carefully. Choose pig’s ears that have a bright, pink color, not dark or dull. Press the pig’s ear with your hand and if it’s not slimy, sticky, has good elasticity, and a certain hardness on the surface. Hold the pig’s ear and feel its firmness.
Pig’s ears should not have any strange smells, foul smells, or any other strange smells.
How to clean pig’s ears
– Use vinegar or lime with salt
The most common way to clean pig’s ears is to use lime/vinegar and salt. First, use a knife to remove the hair and dirt on the surface of the pig’s ear. Then, rub salt and vinegar/lime on the surface of the ear. Thoroughly wash in corners to remove all dirt and unpleasant smell.
Rinse the pig’s ear with water. Prepare a basin of water with lime juice or vinegar and soak the pig’s ear in it for about 5 minutes to completely remove the unpleasant smell. Then, take the pig’s ear out, rinse it again with clean water, and let it drain.
– Use flour
You can add some flour to the pig’s ear and rub it evenly. When bubbles appear, use a clean knife to remove the foam. Repeat the process of rubbing with flour and using a clean knife several times, then rinse the pig’s ear with clean water.
– Use rice water or pickle juice
You can use rice water or pickle juice to clean pig’s ears. Soak the pig’s ear in this kind of water for about 10 minutes, then use a knife to remove the hair and dirt on the surface of the pig’s ear. Use half a lime to rub the surface of the pig’s ear again, then rinse with clean water.
Notes when boiling pig’s ears
– Add seasonings for a delicious flavor
You should add some seasonings to make the boiled pig’s ears white, fragrant, and completely remove the unpleasant smell. You can add a bit of crushed ginger, onion (or dried onion, green onion), a little vinegar, and a little salt to boil with the pig’s ears.
– Use enough water
When boiling pig’s ears, it is important to use enough water. The amount of water poured into the pot must fully cover the pig’s ears. This way, the pig’s ears will cook evenly and not turn dark.
– Cooking time
Pig’s ears cook quickly. When the water boils, use a ladle to remove the foam on top and reduce the heat. Continue boiling the pig’s ears for about 15-20 more minutes (depending on the size of the pig’s ears) and then turn off the heat.
– Soaking in ice water
When the pig’s ears are cooked, don’t remove them for immediate slicing. Prepare a bowl of ice water, squeeze some lime juice, and add a few slices of lime to the bowl. Immediately soak the boiled pig’s ears in the cold ice water. This cooling process will make the pig’s ears crispier and whiter. The lime juice will make the pig’s ears whiter and more fragrant.
Wait for the pig’s ears to cool before removing them, pat them dry, and slice them thinly. If you have time, put the pig’s ears in a container, tightly cover the lid, and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours. This method will make the pig’s ears firmer, crispier, and easier to slice.
