Smoked pork knuckle with soy sauce (Chinese)

Smoked ham hock with soy sauce - a simple and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe, smoked ham hock with soy sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the intense flavors of smoked ham hock with the Asian notes of soy sauce, creating a dish that will impress any food lover. Whether you serve this dish as a main course or as part of an Asian-themed feast, the result will always be exceptional.

Ingredients:

- 500 g smoked ham hock (or smoked bacon)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 2 cm)
- 1 chili pepper (or more, depending on preference)
- 2-3 green garlic stalks
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (preferably brown)
- 200 ml water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rice or noodles for serving

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the garlic cloves, ginger, and chili pepper. Make sure to remove the seeds from the chili pepper if you prefer a milder dish. The green garlic will be cut into pieces about 3-4 cm long, and the smoked ham hock will be cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.

2. Sauté the flavors: In a large skillet or wok, add the sesame oil (if using) and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the flavors become intense, but be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

3. Add the ham hock: Place the pieces of smoked ham hock in the skillet. Stir well to coat the meat with the delicious flavors of garlic, ginger, and chili pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the ham hock starts to brown slightly.

4. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and water. Mix well to dissolve the sugar. Pour this sauce over the ham hock in the skillet and stir. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, covering the skillet with a lid. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the ham hock will absorb the flavors.

5. Add the green garlic: With 5 minutes left before turning off the heat, add the pieces of green garlic for an extra touch of freshness. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Serving: Serve the smoked ham hock with soy sauce alongside steaming rice or Chinese noodles. You can garnish the dish with a few slices of chili pepper for an attractive appearance and an extra kick. This recipe takes home cooking to a new level, bringing Asian flavors directly to your plate.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of soy sauce; dark soy sauce will give a richer flavor, while light soy sauce will add a lighter note.
- If you want to add vegetables, carrots or broccoli would work excellently in this dish, adding a splash of color and nutrients.
- This recipe is perfect for making in advance; you can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it the next day for a quick and tasty lunch.

Enjoy this smoked ham hock with soy sauce, a recipe that blends tradition with innovation, perfect for any occasion!

 Ingredients: 500 g of boiled smoked ham hock, sliced (or a piece of smoked pork with a bit of fat) - 6-8 cloves of garlic - 2-3 green garlic stalks - a teaspoon of chopped hot pepper - a piece of ginger - soy sauce (about half a cup)