Pig’s feet, or trotters, are popular cultural cuisine staples in various parts of the world. They are a tender, flavorful cut you can prepare in several ways. Most preparations require a lengthy cook over low heat. Since boiling is one of the easiest ways to cook them, let’s look into exactly how long to boil pig’s feet. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can achieve the desired results every time.
So, How Long to Boil Pig’s Feet?
The answer to “How long do pig’s feet take to boil?” isn’t straightforward, but boiling does take hours. The cooking time primarily depends on the quantity you are preparing. However, before we dive into specifics, let’s first learn how to boil them properly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove any hair or nails, if present, and thoroughly rinse the pig’s feet under cold running water. Use a scrub brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Add aromatics such as garlic, onion, bell pepper, carrot and celery to a large stockpot. Once done, add the pig’s feet to the pot.
- Carefully pour enough water into the pot to completely cover the pig’s feet.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the feet to simmer uncovered for at least two hours. During this time, skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- Remove the pot from the heat once the pig’s feet are cooked. The total cooking time will depend on the amount you are preparing. Signs that they are done include the meat easily pulling away from the bone and falling off.
How Long Does It Take to Boil Pig’s Feet Based on Weight?
As mentioned earlier, the cooking time for boiling pig’s feet varies depending on the quantity you cook. For instance, a smaller portion, like two pounds, will cook faster compared to a larger amount, like six pounds. The following chart offers approximate cooking times for boiling pig’s feet based on weight:
| Total Weight | Cooking Time |
| 1-2 pounds | 2-3 hours |
| 2-3 pounds | 3-4 hours |
| 3-4 pounds | 4-5 hours |
| 4-5 pounds | 5-6 hours |
| 5-6 pounds | 6-7 hours |
What About Pig Tails?
If you can’t source pig’s feet, pig’s tails are an alternative option. Similar to trotters, boiling is the recommended method of preparation. Now, to address how long to boil pig’s tails, they generally cook at a similar rate. Therefore, you can refer to the chart above as a guide. However, there is a slight difference in the cooking process. It is advisable to:
- Boil the pig’s tails for 10 minutes.
- Discard the water.
- Cover them with fresh water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for the duration corresponding to the total weight, as indicated in the chart.
The additional step helps to ensure optimal results when cooking pig’s tails.
