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Braised Pork Knuckle with Star Anise and Cinnamon

This aromatic braised pork knuckle is a rich and flavorful dish inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. The combination of star anise, cinnamon, and fresh ginger infuses the meat with a deep, warm fragrance, while fish sauce and soy sauce add layers of umami. Traditionally, this dish is slow-cooked until the pork becomes tender enough to fall off the bone, creating a luscious texture. The addition of hard-boiled eggs, simmered in the savory broth, enhances the dish with a creamy contrast. Served with jasmine rice, this comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The recipe offers a balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes, making it a standout dish that showcases the beauty of slow-cooked flavors.

Main | Southeast Asian | Dairy-Free | Nut Free | Shellfish Free | Braised Meat | Pot | Sieve | Cinnamon | Ginger | Pork | Star Anise | Blanching | Marinating | Sauteing | Searing | Simmering | Comfort Food | Family Gathering | Slow
Time to complete

Prep

20min

Cook

2h

Wait

0 minutes

Total

2h 20min

Ingredients (4-6 portions)

Ingredients

  • 1 large pork knuckle (approx. 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) or 2 smaller ones
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (or substitute with parsley for a different flavor)
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp ground white pepper
  • 4 thin slices fresh ginger (0.5 cm / 0.2 in thick)
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tbsp palm sugar (or substitute with brown sugar for a different taste)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1.5 L / 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
  • Salt, to taste

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Jasmine rice
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 12
  • Protein: 15
  • Carbohydrates: 5
  • Fiber: 0.5
Directions

Preparing the Pork

  • 1. Place the pork knuckle in a pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
  • 2. Drain the pork, repeat the boiling process once more, then pat dry with paper towels.

Browning the Pork

  • 3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot, filling it about ¼ of the way.
  • 4. Carefully add the pork knuckle and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
  • 5. Remove the pork from the pot, discard excess oil, leaving only 1 tbsp.

Building the Flavor Base

  • 6. Sauté the cilantro, garlic, and white pepper in the remaining oil for 1 minute.
  • 7. Add ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick, cooking for another minute.

Simmering the Pork

  • 8. Stir in palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  • 9. Return the pork knuckle to the pot and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.

Finishing Touches

  • 10. Add the hard-boiled eggs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
  • 11. Season with salt to taste.

Serving

  • 12. Remove the pork knuckle and place it on a serving platter.
  • 13. Remove the eggs, cut them in half, and arrange them alongside the pork.
  • 14. Strain the cooking liquid and pour it over the meat.
  • 15. Serve with jasmine rice.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Prepare in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.

Cooking Tips

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the pork knuckle in fish sauce and soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution during braising.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for a touch of acidity.

Healthier Variations

  • Use lean pork shoulder instead of pork knuckle for a lower-fat version.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Replace palm sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with pickled vegetables or a fresh herb salad to balance the richness of the dish.