Although tripe is delicious, many people are hesitant to prepare it due to the cleaning process. Some may also wonder how to effectively clean tripe to remove any unpleasant odors while ensuring it is safe to consume.

Therefore, we’d like to share a fantastic tripe-cleaning trick that utilizes a simple household ingredient that most people don’t know about. With this method, you can serve delicious tripe dishes to your family.
Selecting the Best Tripe is Crucial
First and foremost, whether you’re cooking a complex dish or simply boiling tripe, choosing the right tripe is of utmost importance. The best tripe will result in a crisp and sweet dish, free from bitterness, toughness, and unpleasant odors.
The most desirable part of the tripe is the beginning section, which is thicker and crispier than the end.
When purchasing tripe, opt for pieces that feel full and firm to the touch, with a milky-white liquid inside. Avoid thin pieces with yellowish insides, as these tend to be bitter and tough.
Note: It’s best to shop for tripe early in the morning to ensure the freshest selection.
Clean Tripe with a Common Household Condiment
Typically, you might use salt, vinegar, or lemon juice to clean tripe. However, there’s a familiar condiment that works wonders for eliminating the unpleasant odor of tripe, and it’s none other than fish sauce.
The process is simple: use a syringe to inject fish sauce into the tripe, then gently massage the inside of the tripe to distribute the sauce. Be careful not to over-massage, as this can remove all the liquid, resulting in tough tripe after boiling.
Repeat this process 2–3 times gently, then rinse the tripe with clean water twice. The fish sauce effectively neutralizes any unpleasant odors.
Boiling Tripe to Perfection
Once the tripe is thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to prepare for boiling.
Fill a pot with water and add some crushed ginger and chopped scallions. Bring the water to a boil, then add the tripe. Once the water returns to a boil, continue cooking for 2–3 minutes. You’ll know the tripe is ready when it looks plump and rounded. The total cooking time, from adding the tripe to the pot to removing it, should be between 7 and 10 minutes. Overcooking will result in tough, unappetizing tripe.
If you want the tripe to look whiter after boiling, prepare a bowl of cold water and squeeze half a lemon into it. As soon as the tripe is cooked, immerse it in the lemon water and use chopsticks to keep it submerged to prevent discoloration. Soak the tripe for a while, then remove it—it should now be crisp and white.
Creating a Delicious Dipping Sauce
A simple dipping sauce for boiled pork tripe can be made by mixing fish sauce with chili, sliced shallots, ground pepper, and citrus fruits like orange or lemon.
For those who enjoy fermented shrimp paste, create a sauce by mixing it with sugar, citrus juice, chili, and a small amount of heated oil to reduce the strong flavor of the paste.
We wish you success in preparing this delicious dish!