Why is pig cheek meat so delicious, nutritious, and rare?
There is a part of pork that has an incredibly excellent quality, often referred to as the “culinary 5-star peak”. Its deliciousness is often sold out early in the morning, and this is also the reason why many people are unaware of its existence. It is pig cheek meat.
Pig cheek meat is truly a surprise when it comes to meat, especially when many people only know about pig jowl meat. The cheek meat of pigs usually consists of two parts, the outer part is regular cheek meat and the inner part is pig cheek meat. The outer part is also very delicious, but it often has more fat and especially cannot match the taste of cheek meat.
According to nutrition experts, pig cheek meat has a yellow color and usually contains a lot of tendons, but these tendons are very soft and not tough. This is the type of meat that many people love because it is not too dry or fatty, creating an interesting sensation when eating.
For women who have never known about this meat, this is a real regret. After reading this information, if you have a chance to go to the market early, try buying pig cheek meat and experimenting with your family. Who knows, you may discover a new “truth” for family meals or a unique and delicious dish to invite guests to enjoy at home.
How to choose pig cheek meat?
This pig cheek meat is very rare and special, so if you want to buy it, you need to go to the market early or even need to notify the seller in advance to ensure an adequate quantity. When you choose to buy, pay attention to the following points:
Check the surface: The piece of pig cheek meat should be dry, not wet. If you touch the meat and feel it is wet, it may have been injected with water or frozen.
Check the color: The meat should have a bright, red color, with no signs of darkening or unnatural color changes.
Check the smell: The meat should not have a strange smell, should not have excessive water, and especially should not be lacking in elasticity.
How to cook delicious steamed pig cheek meat
Ingredients:
500g pig cheek meat
1 clove of garlic
1 onion
Brown sugar, cinnamon, vinegar, cornstarch, cloves, peppercorns, rice wine, sesame oil
Instructions:
Rinse the pig cheek meat and soak it in diluted saltwater to remove any unpleasant smells. Then, slice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Peel the garlic and onion, then rinse them. Slice the onion into wedges.
Place the meat in a pot and boil for about 3-4 minutes.
After boiling, remove the meat and place it in a steamer pot. Add the onion, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, and peppercorns to the steamer pot. Pour enough water to cover the meat. Cover the steamer pot and bring to a boil.
When the water is boiling, open the steamer pot and add ½ teaspoon of vinegar and ½ tablespoon of rice wine to the steamer pot. Continue boiling for about 7-8 minutes, then remove the meat. Season with brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of sesame oil to taste. Continue simmering over low heat for 15 minutes.
When the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, dissolve ½ tablespoon of cornstarch in water, then pour it into the pot. Stir well to thicken the sauce. Turn off the heat.
This dish has tender and smooth pig cheek meat, rich and savory sauce, and a smooth texture, suitable for eating with rice or bread. Enjoy your delicious meal!
