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Step by Step Guide: how do you cook pig feet in instant pot?

Cooking pig feet in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to enjoy this delicacy without the long hours traditionally required by stovetop methods.

The Instant Pot locks in flavors and tenderizes the meat to perfection.

If you’re ready to give it a try, follow this comprehensive guide!

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

3 pounds of pig feet (also known as trotters), cleaned and split
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1-2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional for flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups of water or chicken broth
Optional: 1 tablespoon of vinegar for additional flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Pig Feet

Cleaning: Rinse the pig feet thoroughly under cold water. If they’ve been purchased from a butcher, they should already be cleaned, but ensure there’s minimal hair or residue.
Cutting: If necessary, cut the pig feet into smaller pieces to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.

Step 2: Sauté Ingredients

Turn on the Instant Pot: Select the “Sauté” mode. Allow it to heat up.
Sauté Aromatics: Add a splash of oil. When warm, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Pig Feet and Seasonings

Add Pig Feet: Place the cleaned and cut pig feet into the pot.
Season: Add soy sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour in Broth: Add 4 cups of water or chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers the pig feet at least halfway.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.”
Pressure Cooking Time: Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and set the timer for 40 minutes on high pressure.
Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes, then turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Serve

Check Tenderness: After releasing the pressure, open the lid, and check the pig feet for tenderness. They should be fork-tender and easily separated from the bone.
Adjust Flavor: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Garnish: Serve the pig feet hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. They pair beautifully with rice or a side of vegetables.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This is a general estimate and can vary based on preparation methods and specific ingredients used.

Calories: 300-400
Protein: 20-25 g
Fat: 10-15 g
Carbohydrates: 5-10 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: Varies (dependent on broth and seasoning used)

Enjoy your delicious, tender, and flavorful pig feet cooked in the Instant Pot! They not only have a unique taste but are also rich in collagen which can support joint health.

Chinese Braised Pork Trotters Recipe

Cooking Chinese braised pork trotters (also known as pig feet) in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to achieve tender, flavorful results in a shorter time. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create this delicious dish.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork trotters (pig feet), cleaned and chopped
4 cups water
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
2 tablespoons sugar (brown sugar or rock sugar)
3-4 slices of ginger
3-4 cloves of garlic, smashed
2-3 star anise
1 stick of cinnamon
2-3 green onions, cut into large pieces
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Trotters

Cleaning: Rinse the pork trotters under cold running water to remove any dirt and impurities.
Cutting: Chop the trotters into manageable pieces if they aren’t already.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Sauté in Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a small amount of oil to the pot and let it heat up.
Add Aromatics: Once the oil is hot, add the ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Pork Trotters

Incorporate Trotters: Add the cleaned pork trotters to the pot with the sautéed aromatics.
Mix Well: Stir everything together to coat the trotters with the aromatics.

Step 4: Season the Dish

Add Seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce and rice wine and sprinkle the sugar over the trotters.
Season with Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 5: Add Liquid

Pour Water: Add the 4 cups of water to ensure the pork trotters are submerged. You can adjust the amount of water based on the size of your Instant Pot, but ensure at least half the trotters are covered.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”
Pressure Cooking Time: Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and set the timer for 40 minutes on high pressure.
Natural Release: When the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Check Doneness: Carefully open the lid and check the trotters for tenderness; they should be very soft and can easily be separated from the bone.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor if necessary.
Garnish: Serve the braised pork trotters hot, garnished with chopped green onions. They pair beautifully with rice or noodles, as well as some steamed greens.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese braised pork trotters recipe cooked in an Instant Pot is not only simple but also results in rich flavors and tender meat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Southern Style Pigs Feet Recipe

Cooking Southern style pig feet, a dish known for its rich flavors and tender texture, can be a delightful experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to master this traditional recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2-3 pounds of pig feet (cleaned and prepped)
1 large onion (chopped)
3-4 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 cups of chicken or pork broth
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning (to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional: Hot sauce (for a kick)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step 1: Preparing the Pig Feet

Clean the Pig Feet: Rinse the pig feet thoroughly under cold water. Scrub them with a brush to remove any residual hair or impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Cut for Cooking: If desired, you can cut the pig feet into smaller sections for easier handling and serving.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Set Up the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Allow it to heat up.
Add Oil: Pour in a tablespoon of vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil).
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the Pig Feet: Carefully place the cleaned pig feet into Instant Pot with the sautéed onions and garlic.
Mix Seasonings: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the pig feet. Follow with soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to ensure the pig feet are well coated with the spices and seasoning.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Pour in the Broth and Vinegar: Add the chicken or pork broth and apple cider vinegar to the pot. Make sure the liquid covers at least half of the pig feet.
Adjust Liquid Levels: If necessary, add water to reach the desired level, but do not exceed the maximum fill line of the Instant Pot.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot: Lock the lid in place, ensuring the vent is set to “Sealing.”
Set Cooking Time: Select “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) on high pressure and set the timer for 45 minutes.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time ends, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Check for Tenderness

Open the Lid: Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot.
Check Doneness: The pig feet should be very tender and easily separate from the bone. If they need more cooking, you can seal the pot again and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Deliciously

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the liquid and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
Plate the Dish: Using tongs, carefully transfer the pig feet to a serving platter.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot alongside your favorite sides like cornbread, collard greens, or rice. For those who enjoy some heat, provide hot sauce on the side.

Tips for Achieving Tenderness

Marinating: If time permits, marinate the pig feet in the fridge for several hours or overnight with vinegar, garlic, and spices. This can enhance flavor and tenderness.
Broth Selection: Using a flavorful broth can elevate the taste of the dish significantly.
Pressure Cooking Time: Depending on your Instant Pot model, you might need to adjust the pressure cooking time to ensure the pig feet reach the desired tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Southern style pig feet in an Instant Pot can transform a traditional dish into a quick and effortless meal, without compromising on flavor or tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re enjoying tender pig feet as a main dish or part of a larger meal, here are ten serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Traditional Side Dishes to Pair

Collard Greens

A classic Southern side, collard greens are slow-cooked with spices and often served alongside pig feet for a robust flavor contrast.

Cornbread

Moist and slightly sweet, cornbread complements the rich flavors of pig feet. Serve it warm with butter for added richness.

Black-Eyed Peas

Typically cooked with smoked meat, black-eyed peas bring earthiness and texture, making them a hardy side that pairs well with pig feet.

Rice

Fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the savory juices from the pig feet, enhancing each bite.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, fried green tomatoes provide a delightful crunch that balances the softness of pig feet.

Creative Modern Additions

Sautéed Kale with Garlic

A healthier alternative to collard greens, sautéed kale made with garlic offers a bright, slightly bitter contrast.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes can provide a comforting counterpoint to the richness of pig feet and soak up any flavorful gravy.

Spicy Slaw

A crunchy and zesty slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can add both flavor and texture to your meal.

Pickled Vegetables

Adding a side of pickled vegetables introduces a vinegar kick that cuts through the richness of the pig feet and refreshes the palate.

Sweet Potato Fries
- Crispy, sweet potato fries can serve as a fun, modern twist, offering a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish.

These serving suggestions aim to complement the bold flavors of pig feet, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing and reheating pig feet properly ensures you preserve their flavor and texture. Here are the top five tips for managing leftovers:

1. Cool Completely Before Storing

Example: After cooking, let the pig feet rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to cool down. This prevents condensation in the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.

2. Use Airtight Containers

Example: Transfer the cooled pig feet to a glass or plastic airtight container, sealing it well. This helps maintain freshness and keeps odors from other foods at bay.

3. Label and Date the Container

Example: Use a piece of tape or a sticker to write the date and contents of the container. This way, you can track how long they’ve been stored and avoid keeping them past their prime (best consumed within 3-4 days).

4. Reheat Gently

Example: When ready to eat, reheat the pig feet on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave on a medium setting. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.

5. Add Moisture During Reheating

Example: To prevent dryness, add a splash of broth or water to the container before reheating. Stir occasionally if using the stovetop to ensure even heating throughout.

Following these tips will help you enjoy your pig feet leftovers just as much as when they were freshly made!

How long does it take to cook pig feet in an Instant Pot?

Cooking pig feet in an Instant Pot typically takes about 40 to 50 minutes under high pressure. After the cooking time, allow for a natural pressure release, which can take another 10 to 15 minutes. So, in total, you should plan for around 1 hour for the entire cooking process.

Can I cook frozen pig feet?

Yes, you can cook frozen pig feet in an Instant Pot. However, it’s best to add a little extra cooking time—about 10 to 15 minutes more than the usual cooking time for thawed pig feet. Just make sure to allow a longer natural pressure release as well.