Ma La Zhu Jiao (spicy Braised Pork Trotters)

Ma La Zhu Jiao, or Spicy Braised Pork Trotters, is a classic dish from Anhui Cuisine known for its bold flavors and tender texture. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy spicy and savory flavors.

Ma La Zhu Jiao (spicy Braised Pork Trotters)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork trotters, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup dried red chilies
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chinese cooking wine
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 6 slices ginger
  • 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, blanch the pork trotters in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove and rinse under cold water.
  2. Heat a wok over medium heat and dry roast the Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies until fragrant. Transfer to a spice grinder and grind into a fine powder.
  3. Return the wok to medium heat and add the ground spices, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sugar, ginger, green onions, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the blanched pork trotters to the wok and stir to coat with the sauce.
  5. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the pork trotters are tender.
  6. Once the pork trotters are tender, uncover the wok and continue to cook until the sauce thickens.
  7. Serve the Ma La Zhu Jiao hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Fat
20g
Carbohydrates
15g

Supplies

Large pot Wok

Tools

Spice grinder

Serving suggestions

Serve the Ma La Zhu Jiao with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a milder version, reduce the amount of dried red chilies used in the recipe.

Cost

$15