Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Delicate Offal: Beyond Salt and Pepper.

To keep your bamboo shoots fresh and odor-free, and to achieve that crisp, white, and tender texture akin to those served in restaurants, employing these two inexpensive ingredients is an absolute must.

Administrator

18 September, 2024

So what’s the cause?

According to chefs, pig intestines are very difficult to clean. If not processed properly, the distinctive odor and dirt cannot be completely removed.

There are many simple tips to clean pig intestines with easily available ingredients in the kitchen. Here is a simple way to clean pig intestines that you can refer to.

Step 1:

– For the small intestines, choose those that are pink in color and feel thick to the touch, as they are the most delicious.

– Rinse the intestines with water and remove any dirt inside.

– Place the intestines in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Knead well to remove all impurities.

Step 2:

– Use a knife or scissors to cut off the excess fat from the surface of the small intestine.

– Note: Leave a small amount of fat close to the intestine, so that when the dish is cooked, the intestines will not be dry and will retain their creamy taste.

Step 3:

– Add 1 tablespoon of either tapioca or wheat flour to a bowl of cleaned intestines.

– Knead the intestines by hand for about 3 minutes, then rinse with clean water.

Step 4:

– Pour in half a can of Coca-Cola and knead the small intestines again for 3 minutes.

– Rinse the intestines thoroughly with water.

Step 5:

– Use chopsticks to push one end of the small intestine inside out.

– Rinse with water twice, then add tapioca flour and knead well. Finally, clean with the remaining Coca-Cola, similar to step 3.

Step 6:

– Use chopsticks to turn the small intestine inside out again, then rinse one more time. Now you have a set of clean intestines, free from any unpleasant odor.

Now that the small intestines are clean, you can start preparing your favorite dish. Check out this delicious recipe for stir-fried small intestines with pickled cucumbers, introduced by Bếp Eva right below.

Ingredients

– Small intestines: 400g

– Pickled cucumbers: 500g

– Tomatoes: 2

– Shallots, garlic

– Scallions

– Ginger

– Salt: 1 tablespoon

– Vinegar: 2 tablespoons

– Wheat flour: 1 tablespoon

– Cooking oil

– Seasoning: Fish sauce, salt, pepper, seasoning powder, MSG

How to Make Stir-Fried Intestines with Pickles

Step 1: Clean the Small Intestines

– Place the small intestines in a small bowl and add wheat flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Knead well so that the flour absorbs all the greasy dirt on the surface of the intestines.

– Rinse the intestines with water, then add a little vinegar. Continue kneading until the intestines are no longer greasy and odorless.

– Rinse the intestines with water.

Step 2: Blanch the Intestines

– Boil a pot of clean water and blanch the small intestines.

– Remove the intestines and soak them in a bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration.

– Cut the small intestines into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

– Finely chop the shallots and garlic.

– Cut the tomatoes into wedges.

– Cut the scallions into sections.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Intestines

– Heat oil in a pan and fry the chopped shallots and garlic until fragrant.

– When the shallots and garlic turn golden, add the small intestines and stir-fry. Add a little seasoning powder to enhance the flavor.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Pickles

– Add a little more oil to the pan and fry the remaining shallots and garlic. Then, add the tomatoes and cook until softened.

– Add the pickled cucumbers and stir-fry until they are slightly wilted. As the pickles are usually already flavorful, only add a little seasoning to taste.

– When the cucumbers are cooked, add the stir-fried small intestines from step 4 and mix well.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

– Overcooking the intestines will make them tough, so only stir-fry for a few minutes before turning off the heat.

– Sprinkle with scallion sections and a little pepper, and serve the stir-fried intestines and cucumbers on a plate.

The stir-fried intestines and cucumbers is a flavorful and delicious dish. The small intestines are chewy and crunchy, and the pickled cucumbers are infused with the tasty seasonings. It can be enjoyed with hot rice or as a beer snack.

Note: To ensure the dish tastes good, carefully select the small intestines and thoroughly clean them to remove any unpleasant odor or taste.

Frequently asked questions

Offal refers to the organs and entrails of butchered animals, typically from cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. While some people may find it unappetizing, offal is actually a delicacy in many cultures around the world, including France, China, and the Middle East. Offal is nutrient-rich, containing high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

It is important to source your offal from a reputable butcher or supplier to ensure freshness and quality. Thoroughly clean and rinse the offal before cooking, and be sure to remove any membranes or connective tissues. Cooking methods vary depending on the type of offal, but generally, slow cooking, braising, or grilling are recommended to ensure the offal is cooked thoroughly while remaining tender and flavorful.

Some well-known offal dishes include French foie gras, which is made from duck or goose liver; Scottish haggis, a savory pudding made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs; and Chinese stir-fried beef tripe. In the Middle East, lamb brain is often fried or scrambled, while in Southeast Asia, chicken feet are commonly braised in soy sauce and served as a delicacy.

Start with mild-tasting offal such as liver or heart, which have a similar texture to lean meat. You can also mask the strong flavor of some offal by marinating it before cooking. Gradually, you can experiment with different types of offal and cooking methods to find what suits your taste preferences.

Offal is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, vitamin A, and B vitamins. Consuming offal can boost your intake of these essential nutrients, supporting overall health and well-being.