Tips for Buying Pork Cheek Meat

Pork Cheek Meat – A Healthy Option
Pork cheek meat is a rare delicacy, so if you want to buy it, make sure to go to the market early or even pre-order from your butcher. When choosing this cut of meat, pay attention to the following characteristics:
– The surface of the pork cheek should be dry and not wet. If it feels moist, it may have been injected with water or previously frozen.
– Look for bright, pinkish-red meat, avoiding any pieces with dark spots or discoloration.
– The meat should be odorless, without any signs of liquid or a lack of elasticity.
Delicious Dishes with Pork Cheek Meat
Pork cheeks have a unique texture due to the presence of soft connective tissue and interspersed fat layers, resulting in tender meat. Any dish you prepare with this cut will turn out delicious, but boiling or steaming are ideal methods to retain the meat’s natural sweetness. One of the simplest recipes is braising, and here’s how you can treat your family to a delectable meal:

Pork Cheek Delight
Ingredients:
– 500g pork cheek meat
– 1 clove of garlic
– 1 onion
– Brown sugar, cinnamon, vinegar, cornstarch, star anise, peppercorns, rice wine, and soy sauce
Instructions:
– Rinse the pork cheek meat and soak it in diluted saltwater to eliminate any unpleasant odors. Then, cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
– Peel and rinse the garlic and onion. Cut the onion into wedges.
– Blanch the meat in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes.
– Remove the meat and place it in a pot. Add the onion, cinnamon, star anise, garlic, and peppercorns. Pour in just enough water to cover the meat. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil.
– Once the water boils, uncover and add ½ teaspoon of vinegar and ½ tablespoon of rice wine to the pot. Continue cooking for about 7-8 minutes, then remove the cinnamon and star anise. Season with brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to taste. Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
– As the meat becomes tender and the liquid reduces, mix ½ tablespoon of cornstarch with water and pour it into the pot. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, then turn off the heat.
This dish features tender pork cheeks in a savory sauce, perfect when served with rice or bread.

Secrets to Cooking Delicious Pork Cheek Meat
While the recipe is straightforward, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a perfect dish:
– Cook the meat for an adequate duration to achieve a soft and fragrant texture, avoiding toughness.
– Instead of blanching, you can pan-fry the meat until it’s golden on both sides before braising or stewing.
– When blanching the meat, add a few slices of fresh ginger and scallions to effectively eliminate any unwanted odors.
– Feel free to experiment with apple cider or red wine instead of rice wine to give the dish a unique twist.
– Pork cheeks pair well with various vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, so feel free to add them to your stew.