Choosing the Best Pork Intestines
Not all pork intestines are created equal, so it’s important to know how to select the best ones to avoid ending up with tough, bitter, or smelly intestines. Choosing wisely will ensure that your dishes turn out more delicious.
For pork small intestines, the best part is the first section. This portion is thicker and crunchier. In contrast, the end of the small intestine tends to be thinner and chewier.
When purchasing pork intestines, look for those that are plump and round. They should feel firm to the touch, and there should be a milky white liquid inside the small intestine.
Avoid buying thin intestines with yellow liquid inside, as these tend to be bitter and chewy.
It’s best to go to the market early to get your hands on the freshest and best-quality intestines.
Cleaning Pork Intestines
It’s crucial to clean the small intestine thoroughly to remove any impurities and eliminate any unpleasant odors. Place the intestines in a basin and add a small amount of salt and flour. This mixture will help draw out the liquid inside the intestines, absorbing any impurities. Rinse the intestines with clean water.
Next, rub the small intestine with lemon to ensure all impurities are removed and to neutralize any remaining odors. Rinse the intestines under running water, allowing the water to flow directly into the intestine to flush out any remaining impurities, or gently squeeze to remove the liquid inside.
You may want to cut the intestines into manageable sections of 30-35 cm for easier preparation. Additionally, you can trim away any excess fat clinging to the intestines.
Some people also recommend using sour liquids like pickled cucumber water, vinegar, fermented soybean paste, lemon, or kumquat juice to clean and neutralize odors from the intestines. These acidic ingredients are effective in breaking down and removing impurities.
Alternatively, you can use fish sauce to neutralize odors. Inject the fish sauce into the intestine with a syringe and gently massage it to draw out the liquid inside. Be careful not to over-massage the intestine, as this can make it tough. Rinse the intestine with clean water after 2-3 gentle massages.
Boiling Time for Pork Intestines
To achieve a crispy texture, boil the intestines for 7-10 minutes.
Start by preparing a large pot of water (enough to completely submerge the intestines). Add some crushed ginger, scallions, or shallots to the water. Bring the water to a boil before adding the intestines. Once the water returns to a boil, continue boiling for another 1-2 minutes.
Have a bowl of ice-cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice ready. Remove the intestines from the boiling water and immediately immerse them in the cold water for about a minute. Then, return the intestines to the boiling water for another 2 minutes. Repeat the process of blanching and shocking the intestines in ice water. This temperature shock helps achieve a crispier texture, while the lemon juice keeps the intestines whiter and more fragrant.
Finally, soak the intestines in ice water until they are cool enough to handle, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
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