Preparation
20 minutes Cooking
60 minutes Serves
3 – 4 people
Pork hock braised in Chinese herbal soup is a fragrant dish with tender yet firm meat that has absorbed the delicious broth. This nutritious meal is perfect for everyone, especially those recovering from illness and undernourished children.
1 Ingredients for Pork Hock Braised in Chinese Herbal Soup
- 1 pork hock
- 2 portions of Chinese herbal soup mix
- 100g wood ear mushrooms
- 100g lotus seeds (or lotus root, depending on preference)
- 1 coconut
- Chopped scallions and cilantro
- Seasonings: salt, sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper
Tip
Choose a pork hock with firm, evenly distributed meat that has a fresh, natural pink color. Avoid any with an unpleasant smell or odd odor.
Purchase wood ear mushrooms, lotus seeds, and Chinese herbal soup mix from reputable Chinese herbal shops or large supermarkets.
2 How to Make Pork Hock Braised in Chinese Herbal Soup
Step 1 Prepare the Ingredients
Clean and rinse the pork hock with water and alcohol. Then, roast the pork hock until golden brown, slightly charred if possible, to eliminate any unpleasant odors and impart an attractive aroma. Additionally, roasting the hock helps maintain the skin’s texture during the long braising process, ensuring it remains tender yet intact.
Preparing the Ingredients
After roasting, scrape the pork hock once more to remove any charred bits. Cut it into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
Clean the Chinese herbal soup mix and wood ear mushrooms. Soak the mushrooms in cold water. Rinse and drain the lotus seeds.
Step 2 Braise the Pork Hock
In a pot, add slightly more water than needed for the servings. During the long braising process, some water will evaporate, leaving just enough broth. Place the Chinese herbal soup mix into the pot and bring it to a boil.
Once the water boils, add the pork hock and coconut water. Season with salt, sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper to taste. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 1 hour.
After an hour, add the wood ear mushrooms and lotus seeds. Continue cooking until the mushrooms and seeds are tender, then turn off the heat. Your pork hock braised in Chinese herbal soup is now ready!
Braising the Pork Hock
Step 3 Serving
The nutritious pork hock braised in Chinese herbal soup is ready to be served. You’ll immediately notice the distinctive aroma of the herbs and the tantalizing smell of the braised pork. The pork skin remains chewy, while the tendons are tender, and the sweet, clear broth is irresistible to the last drop.
Final Product
3 Enjoy!
Pork Hock Braised in Chinese Herbal Soup
Scoop the pork hock onto a bowl and garnish with scallions and cilantro. This dish can be enjoyed as a soup or paired with rice or noodles. It’s best savored hot to fully appreciate its flavors.
Now you know how to prepare this incredibly nutritious pork hock braised in Chinese herbal soup. Good luck with your culinary endeavors!