Dim sum chicken feet, also known as “feng zhua” in Cantonese, is a beloved delicacy often found in dim sum restaurants. While chicken feet may seem unusual to some, they are a cherished part of Chinese cuisine. With the right preparation and ingredients, making dim sum-style chicken feet at home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This article will guide you through the entire process, providing detailed instructions and tips to help you prepare delicious chicken feet with ease.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make dim sum chicken feet, you’ll need several key ingredients to create the rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken feet. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
For the Chicken Feet:
- 1 pound of chicken feet (cleaned and nails trimmed)
- Water (for soaking and boiling)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (for soaking)
- 2 slices of ginger (for boiling)
- 2 stalks of green onions (optional for boiling)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (light)
- 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (preferably rock sugar)
- 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 3-4 dried red chilies (optional for heat)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of black bean paste (fermented black beans)
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 cup of chicken stock (or water)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds
Preparing the Chicken Feet
1. Cleaning the Chicken Feet
The first step in making chicken feet is to clean them thoroughly. You can purchase pre-cleaned chicken feet from many Asian grocery stores, but if they aren’t cleaned, you will need to prepare them yourself. To clean the chicken feet, follow these steps:
Trim the nails: Use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors or a knife to carefully cut off the nails of the chicken feet. This step is essential, as the nails are tough and not suitable for eating.
Wash the chicken feet: Rinse the feet under cold water. Remove any excess fat or skin from the feet as well. It’s important to ensure there’s no remaining dirt or debris.
Soak the chicken feet: Soak the chicken feet in cold water mixed with one tablespoon of salt for about 30 minutes. This helps to soften them and prepare them for the next step.
2. Blanching the Chicken Feet
Blanching the chicken feet is crucial for removing any unwanted odors and impurities. It also helps to soften the skin, making it easier to cook later.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken feet, ginger slices, and green onions (optional) to the pot.
- Boil the chicken feet for about 5-10 minutes, then remove them from the pot and set them aside to drain. Discard the water from the blanching process.
- Once the chicken feet have cooled down, rinse them under cold water to remove any residual impurities.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is what gives dim sum chicken feet their rich, savory, and flavorful taste. Here’s how you can prepare it:
3. Cooking the Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and dried red chilies (if using) to the oil. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the fermented black bean paste (also known as “douchi”) to the pan. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and fragrant.
- Now, pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add sugar, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. The combination of soy sauces, hoisin sauce, and sugar will create a deep umami flavor.
- Add chicken stock (or water) to the pan, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce reduces too much, add a little more stock or water.
Cooking the Chicken Feet
4. Simmering the Chicken Feet
Now that both the chicken feet and the sauce are ready, it’s time to combine them and let the flavors infuse. Follow these steps:
- Add the cleaned and blanched chicken feet to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken feet simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the feet are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the feet from sticking to the pan.
- If the sauce reduces too much and the chicken feet are not tender enough, you can add more stock or water and continue simmering until they reach the desired tenderness.
5. Adjusting the Seasoning
After the chicken feet have simmered to perfection, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little more sugar. For extra heat, add more dried chilies. If the sauce is too salty, add a small amount of water to dilute it.
Steaming the Chicken Feet (Optional)
If you prefer a more traditional dim sum preparation, you can steam the chicken feet instead of braising them in a pan. Here’s how to do it:
- Once you’ve cooked the sauce, place the chicken feet into a heatproof dish that can fit inside a steamer.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken feet, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Steam the chicken feet for 30-45 minutes, or until tender. The steaming process helps to preserve the rich flavor of the sauce while ensuring the feet are cooked perfectly.
Serving Dim Sum Chicken Feet
Once your chicken feet are fully cooked, it’s time to serve them! Dim sum chicken feet are often enjoyed as part of a larger dim sum meal, but they can also be served as a standalone dish. To garnish, you can sprinkle some chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top for a touch of freshness and texture.
Serve the chicken feet with steamed rice or other dim sum dishes such as dumplings, buns, and spring rolls. The rich, savory sauce pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Feet
Cleaning the Chicken Feet: Make sure the chicken feet are thoroughly cleaned and free from any dirt or feathers before cooking. Trimming the nails is an essential step.
Longer Simmering for Tenderness: The longer you simmer the chicken feet, the more tender they will become. Don’t rush the cooking process.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your chicken feet to be spicier, increase the number of dried chilies or add chili oil.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic add a lot of flavor to the dish, so avoid using pre-minced or dried versions.
Don’t Skip the Soaking Step: Soaking the chicken feet in salted water helps to remove any impurities and softens the feet before cooking.
Conclusion
Making dim sum chicken feet at home may seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and patience, you can create a delicious dish that rivals what you’d find in a dim sum restaurant. The tender, flavorful chicken feet in a savory, rich sauce are a true delicacy that can be enjoyed by adventurous eaters and dim sum lovers alike. With this guide, you’ll be able to prepare the dish from scratch and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Enjoy your homemade dim sum chicken feet with a cup of tea, and savor the depth of flavors that come from this traditional Chinese dish. Happy cooking!
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