Apologies for the brief absence. I’ve been doing this cross-country move thing and am still in the process of getting settled in. An important aspect of that is exploring the new shopping grounds. A new favorite of mine is San Diego’s branch of the Chinese Superstore, 99 Ranch Market. That’s where I’ve been finding all kinds of neat stuff, like these marinated pigs feet.
The other side
I’ve been meaning to try pigs feet for some time now, but have been too lazy to prepare my own, and didn’t feel that the pickled Hormelvariety would be an authentic way to experience them. So when I saw these in the prepared foods section for a mere $2.34 I couldn’t pass them up.
Pulled from the bone
I ate these cold, which was likely a mistake. The feet are mostly skin, fat, and cartilaginous matter. Although these were marinated in sugar and soy there wasn’t much flavor coming from the cold cloven hooves, and eaten cold the skin was more gelatinous than crispy.
My favorite piece - I'm pretty sure that's hair
Still, I’m glad I gave them a shot, and I haven’t given up on pig’s feet just yet. I should have listened to my dream girl and queen of variety meats, Chichi Wang. I’ll try these again if I can find a more authentic preparation, but as for 99 Ranch Markets ready made selection – I’ll pass.
Grade: C-
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I’m sure they were edible at one point, but they definitely died under the heat lamp. The 99 Ranch food isn’t particularly good in general. You’d probably only rate the overall food a C+/B-
My grandma makes some stellar Taiwanese pig feet. If you are ever in Minnesota, you should give them a try!
I almost bought the Hormel pigs feet the other day. I love pickled sausage and pretty much anything pigish, but now you have me worried about the texture. I’m doing a piece on canned meat for GG and tried potted meat for the first time. Until then I never met a preserved meat product I didn’t like. Potted meat tastes like spoiled hot dogs made from Paula Dean’s rotted feet. I’m rambling, but nice review anyways. =)
There’s definitely better versions than Ranch 99. I actually haven’t really explored finding it in SD because it’s not one of my favorite foods. I know a good place in the Bay Area. You might ask Kirk of mmm-yoso for a good version in SD. I recall Liang’s Kitchen serves it and I think it’s supposed to be good though I never had it myself.
just kidding, i love you cousin!!! very proud of you!
Can’t hate for giving them a try! Ever had the ears?
well, even though these werent a huge trotter success…
at least these got your feet wet.
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