Dim sum chicken feet, also known as phoenix claws, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It’s a unique delicacy that’s enjoyed by many people, but it can be intimidating to cook if you’ve never done it before. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to cook delicious dim sum chicken feet at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken feet
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon of black bean sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice wine
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1 cup of water
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, chopped (optional)
Preparing the Chicken Feet:
Before you start cooking, you need to prepare the chicken feet. Start by cleaning them thoroughly under cold running water. Use a sharp knife to remove any nails or rough patches on the feet. Then, use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off the tip of each toe. This will help the sauce penetrate the skin and make the feet more tender.
Blanching the Chicken Feet:
Once the chicken feet are cleaned and trimmed, it’s time to blanch them. Blanching is an important step in the cooking process because it helps to remove any impurities and soften the skin. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the chicken feet and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken feet to the pot and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, drain the chicken feet and rinse them under cold running water.
Cooking the Chicken Feet:
Now that the chicken feet are blanched, it’s time to cook them. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Then, add the black bean sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the chicken feet to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, making sure to coat each foot with the sauce. Then, add the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the wok, and let the chicken feet simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom of the wok.
Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken feet are cooked, remove the lid from the wok and turn up the heat to high. Stir-fry the chicken feet for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce. Then, transfer the chicken feet to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onion and red chili pepper (if using).
Tips:
- If you can’t find black bean sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or fermented soybean paste.
- If you don’t have a wok, you can use a large skillet or Dutch oven instead.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your liking. Some people prefer their dim sum chicken feet sweeter or saltier than others.
- If you want to make the dish spicier, you can add more red chili pepper or a few drops of chili oil.
- Dim sum chicken feet are traditionally served as a cold dish, so you can refrigerate them for a few hours before serving if you prefer.
Conclusion:
Cooking dim sum chicken feet may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of practice, you can master this unique delicacy. Remember to clean and blanch the chicken feet before cooking, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your delicious dim sum chicken feet!
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