Chicken feet are a popular delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Known for their tender texture and rich flavor, they are commonly prepared in dim sum restaurants and can be found in various dishes across China and other parts of Asia. If you’re looking to make Chinese chicken feet at home, this detailed guide will walk you through the process. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy this flavorful snack in no time.
What Are Chinese Chicken Feet?
Chinese chicken feet are exactly what they sound like: the feet of the chicken. They are usually cleaned, deep-fried, and then simmered in a flavorful sauce, creating a dish that is savory, rich, and satisfying. The texture can be quite unique, with the skin and tendons offering a tender, gelatinous bite.
The most common way to prepare Chinese chicken feet is to braise them in a mixture of soy sauce, black bean paste, and spices. They are typically served as an appetizer or side dish, especially in dim sum.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Feet
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken feet
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 slices ginger
- 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably dark soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1 teaspoon black bean paste (or fermented black beans)
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 dried chilies (optional, for some heat)
- 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Preparing Chicken Feet
Before you can cook Chinese chicken feet, there are a few preparation steps:
Step 1: Clean the Chicken Feet
Chicken feet need to be cleaned thoroughly before cooking. To do this:
- Rinse the chicken feet under cold water.
- Trim the nails with a pair of kitchen scissors. Be sure to remove all the sharp tips.
- Blanch the chicken feet. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken feet and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps remove impurities.
- After blanching, transfer the chicken feet into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain them and set them aside.
Step 2: Soak the Chicken Feet (Optional but Recommended)
Some recipes recommend soaking the chicken feet in cold water for a few hours or overnight. This helps to remove any lingering odor and softens the skin. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it can improve the texture and flavor.
Cooking Chinese Chicken Feet
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
The key to Chinese chicken feet lies in the braising sauce. The combination of soy sauce, rice wine, oyster sauce, black bean paste, and spices gives the feet a deep, savory flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat.
- Add the ginger and garlic slices to the oil. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, black bean paste, star anise, cinnamon stick, and dried chilies (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add about 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once the sauce is boiling, lower the heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Braising the Chicken Feet
Now, add the cleaned chicken feet to the pot with the sauce.
- Stir the chicken feet into the sauce, making sure they are all submerged.
- Cover the pot and let the chicken feet braise over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll want the feet to become tender, with the skin and tendons absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Check occasionally to make sure there is enough liquid in the pot. If needed, you can add more water to ensure the chicken feet stay submerged.
Step 5: Thickening the Sauce (Optional)
After the chicken feet are tender and cooked through, you can thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken and coat the chicken feet with a glossy finish.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken feet are fully cooked, turn off the heat. Drizzle sesame oil over the dish to give it a nice aromatic finish. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese chicken feet are typically served as an appetizer or snack. Here are some ideas for serving them:
Dim Sum Style: Serve the chicken feet on small plates or in bamboo steamers, just like in traditional dim sum restaurants.
With Rice: Serve the chicken feet alongside steamed white rice or fried rice for a more filling meal.
As a Side Dish: They can also be enjoyed as a side dish to complement other Chinese main courses.
Tips for Making Perfect Chinese Chicken Feet
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your chicken feet to be spicier, feel free to add more dried chilies or some chili paste to the sauce.
Tenderize the Feet: Make sure to simmer the chicken feet for long enough to ensure they become tender. The longer they cook, the more flavor they’ll absorb from the sauce.
Flavor Enhancements: You can experiment with adding other spices like Chinese five-spice powder or bay leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
Consistency of the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, use a bit more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner, more broth-like sauce, skip the cornstarch.
Why You Should Try Chinese Chicken Feet
Chinese chicken feet are more than just a snack; they are a beloved part of Chinese culture. They’re packed with collagen, which is great for your skin and joints. The rich, savory flavor of the braising sauce makes the feet irresistible, and their unique texture provides a culinary experience that you won’t find in many other dishes.
While chicken feet might seem unusual to some, once you try them, they are a delicious and satisfying treat. Whether you’re hosting a dim sum meal at home or just want to try something new, Chinese chicken feet are a dish worth making.
Conclusion
Making Chinese chicken feet at home is easier than you might think. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this tasty and unique dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for a dim sum brunch or as a savory snack, chicken feet offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With this guide, you can master the art of making Chinese chicken feet and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
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