Crock-Pot Pig Feet: Tender, Delicious, And Easy!

how to cook pig feet in crock pot

Cooking pig's feet in a crock pot is a great way to make tender, flavorful, and soul food-style pork. The process is simple: add the pig's feet, seasonings, and water to the crock pot, place the lid on top, and let it cook for several hours. This recipe is versatile and can be made spicy or sweet by adding ingredients like jalapenos or brown sugar. With a slow cooker, you can achieve delicious, melt-in-your-mouth pork that's also healthy and collagen-rich.

Characteristics Values
Cooking Time 5 hours on HIGH, 10 hours on LOW
Meat Quantity 3 lb
Slow Cooker Capacity 8 qt or 6 qt
Ingredients Pig feet, white onion, garlic, paprika, bullion powder, salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, pickled jalapenos, water
Slurry Mixture of cold water and cornstarch
Serving Suggestions Rice, mashed potatoes, noodles
Leftovers Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze in a ziplock bag

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Wash and prepare the pig's feet

To cook pig's feet in a crockpot, the first step is always to wash and prepare the pigs' feet thoroughly. Start by rinsing the pigs' feet under cold running water. Use a brush to scrub the feet and remove any dirt or residue. Ensure you clean all the crevices and joints of the feet. Once cleaned, you can choose to slice the feet to help them cook faster and make them easier to eat. However, this step is optional.

After washing and slicing the pigs' feet, it's time to season them. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika (smoked or regular), bullion powder, salt, and garlic powder. Rub the seasonings onto the feet, ensuring an even coating. You can also add some brown sugar to give the dish a touch of sweetness. If you prefer your dish spicy, add some pickled, raw, or fresh jalapenos, habaneros, or chili peppers. Adjust the amount of spice to your taste preference.

Now that the pigs' feet are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the crockpot. Place the seasoned feet on the bottom of your crockpot, using about 3 pounds of pig feet for an 8-quart slow cooker. You can also use a 6-quart slow cooker with the same amount of meat. Chop a white onion and peel and slice a garlic clove to add to the pot. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, add some water to the pot, but note that it won't cover the feet completely.

At this point, your pigs' feet are washed, seasoned, and ready to cook. You can add the remaining ingredients and follow your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature. Remember to check on the pigs' feet during cooking, especially if you're using a high-temperature setting or if your pigs' feet are on the smaller side.

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Add seasonings and vegetables

After placing the pig's feet in the crockpot, it's time to add the seasonings and vegetables. Chop one white onion and add it to the pot. Peel and slice a few cloves of garlic and add them in too. For spices, you can use paprika (smoked or regular), bullion powder, salt, and garlic powder. If you want a little sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. This will create a delicious, sticky glaze on the pig's feet. You can also add some heat with pickled, raw, or fresh jalapenos, habaneros, or chili peppers, depending on your preference for spice. If you're a fan of spice, go ahead and add some extra peppers or chili flakes.

For a more well-rounded flavor, consider adding some vegetables. Onions and garlic are a great base, but you could also add carrots, celery, or even some diced tomatoes. These vegetables will add depth and complexity to your dish. If you want a heartier meal, you could also add some potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Don't forget to top everything with water! You'll need about 2 cups, which should cover the ingredients halfway. This will create a steamy environment in the crockpot, ensuring that your pig's feet and vegetables cook evenly and stay nice and moist.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and vegetables to find your perfect combination. You might even want to try adding some herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost. Remember, the key to a great crockpot meal is building flavors and letting the slow cooking process work its magic!

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Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking pig feet in a crock pot requires a significant amount of time, but the results are tender, sticky, and very addictive. The cooking time depends on the desired temperature setting and whether you slice the pig feet before cooking. Slicing the pig feet beforehand is not necessary, but it will reduce the cooking time and make the dish easier to eat.

If you choose to cook the pig feet on high heat, they will need to cook for around 5 to 6 hours. It is recommended to check on the dish at the 4-hour mark to ensure it is cooking as desired. If you prefer a lower temperature, you can cook the pig feet on low heat for approximately 10 hours, checking at the 8-hour mark.

The size of the pig feet will also impact the cooking time. Smaller pig feet will cook faster, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the size of the feet you are using. It is important to aim for tender meat that falls off the bone, ensuring it is not undercooked and chewy.

After cooking, the leftover pig feet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them using a freezer-friendly ziplock bag or container.

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Making a slurry

To make a slurry—a mixture of cold water and cornstarch—for your pig's feet crockpot recipe, follow these steps:

First, measure out equal amounts of cold water and cornstarch. You will need about 3 tablespoons of each for your slurry. It is important to use cold water, as warm or hot water will cause the cornstarch to clump and not mix properly.

Next, combine the water and cornstarch in a small cup or bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth, lump-free paste. Ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the water, and there are no lumps remaining.

Once your slurry is ready, simply pour it into your slow cooker pot. Stir the slurry into the rest of your crockpot ingredients, such as the onions, garlic, seasonings, and water that you have already added to your pot.

The slurry will help to thicken the sauce or gravy that your crockpot recipe creates. It is important to add the slurry at the correct time, so it can thicken the sauce without affecting the cooking process or the texture of the other ingredients.

Remember, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them in a freezer-friendly bag or container.

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Storing and reheating leftovers

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked pig feet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To ensure maximum freshness, it is recommended to keep the container tightly sealed and store the leftovers in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

If you wish to store the leftovers for an extended period, freezing is an option. Place the leftovers in a freezer-friendly bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover pig feet, there are a few reheating methods to consider. One option is to use a baking dish and heat the leftovers in an oven set to 325°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are fully reheated. Another option is to use a pot and reheat the leftovers over medium heat for about 15 to 17 minutes. If you prefer a quicker option, you can use a microwave-safe dish and heat the leftovers in the microwave for about 3 to 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It is important to note that the gelatin in the pig feet will solidify when stored in the refrigerator. However, this gelatin will melt quickly upon reheating, regardless of the method chosen.

Additionally, if you are reheating a sauce-based dish and have reduced the sauce, you may need to reheat it over medium-low heat in a small pot. This method requires frequent stirring to prevent the dish from sticking to the pot. It is not recommended to reheat pig feet with sauce in the microwave, as the skin and connective tissue may react poorly and cause an uneven heating experience.

Frequently asked questions

You can cook them on HIGH for 5-6 hours or on LOW for 10 hours. If cooking on HIGH, check at the 4-hour mark. If cooking on LOW, check at the 8-hour mark.

You will need pig's feet, white onion, garlic, seasonings (such as paprika, bullion powder, salt, and garlic powder), and water. You can also add pickled jalapenos or other chili peppers for spice, and brown sugar for sweetness.

Wash the pig's feet thoroughly. You can also slice them to help them cook faster and make them easier to eat.

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