Spicy Cold Dressed Pig Ears

🥗 Chinese Spicy Cold Dressed Pig Ears 

Liangban Pig Ears is a famous Chinese cold dish often served as an appetizer or side dish. The pig ears are braised until tender yet crunchy, then thinly sliced and tossed with a flavorful chili-garlic sauce. It’s spicy, savory, and refreshing — a true Sichuan-style delicacy.

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🛒 Ingredients

• Pig ears: 2 pieces

• Ginger: 4–5 slices

• Green onion: 2 stalks

• Star anise: 1 piece

• Bay leaf: 1–2 pieces

• Sichuan peppercorns: 1 tsp

• Light soy sauce: 2 tbsp

• Dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp

• Shaoxing wine: 2 tbsp

• Salt: to taste

For the dressing:

• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

• Red chili oil: 2–3 tbsp (adjust to taste)

• Light soy sauce: 2 tbsp

• Black vinegar: 1 tbsp

• Sugar: ½ tsp

• Ground Sichuan peppercorn: ½ tsp

• Fresh cilantro: a small handful, chopped

• Optional: chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Clean and Prepare Pig Ears

1. Wash pig ears thoroughly under running water.

2. Place them in a pot of cold water, add ginger slices and Shaoxing wine, bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then discard the water to remove impurities.

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Step 2. Braise Pig Ears

1. In a clean pot, add fresh water, pig ears, ginger, green onion, star anise, bay leaf, Sichuan peppercorns, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a pinch of salt.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 40–50 minutes until the ears are tender but still have a slight crunch.

3. Remove and let them cool completely.

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Step 3. Slice Pig Ears

1. Once cooled, slice the pig ears thinly into strips.

2. Arrange them in a mixing bowl.

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Step 4. Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and ground Sichuan peppercorn.

2. Stir well until the sauce is balanced in flavor — spicy, tangy, and aromatic.

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Step 5. Mix and Serve

1. Pour the dressing over the sliced pig ears.

2. Toss gently to coat evenly.

3. Garnish with chopped cilantro and, if desired, sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds.

4. Serve chilled as an appetizer or side dish with rice or noodles.

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🌟 Tips

• For extra tenderness, you can braise pig ears in advance and chill overnight before slicing.

• Adjust chili oil according to your spice tolerance.

• A splash of sesame oil can be added for extra aroma.