Traditional Irish Crubeens (Pig's Trotters)
Crubeens are Irish pig's trotters slowly poached with aromatics until tender; they may be served as-is or cooled, crumbed and crisped.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Rinse the trotters and place them in a pot with onion, carrots, celery, bay, and peppercorns.
- 2
Cover with cold water, bring slowly to a simmer, and skim.
- 3
Poach very gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender.
- 4
Season the cooking liquor near the end and drain the trotters carefully.
- 5
Serve warm, or cool, coat in flour, egg, and crumbs, then fry until crisp.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure the pig's feet are well-cleaned to prevent any unpleasant flavors.
For added richness, you can simmer the crubeens with a splash of cider or a dash of malt vinegar.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to maintain tenderness before serving.
Substitutions
- If you can't find pig's feet, you can replace them with pork knuckles for a similar flavor and texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor if desired.
What to Serve With
- Colcannon for a traditional Irish side
- Mashed potatoes
- A hearty Irish soda bread
Common Mistakes
- Not cleaning the pig's feet properly can lead to undesired flavors.
- Cooking at too high a temperature can make the meat tough.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?
Yes, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time, cooking the crubeens in about 40 minutes.
What is the best way to serve crubeens?
Crubeens are best served warm, accompanied by the boiled vegetables from the cooking pot.
Can I freeze cooked crubeens?
Yes, cooked crubeens can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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