Chicken feet, a delicacy in many parts of Asia, hold a special place in Chinese cuisine. Known for their gelatinous texture and rich flavor, chicken feet are often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a main course. Cooking chicken feet Chinese style involves various techniques, each bringing out different aspects of their unique taste and texture. In this article, we will explore the traditional methods of preparing chicken feet, focusing on popular Chinese recipes that highlight the versatility and cultural significance of this dish.
Selecting and Preparing Chicken Feet
Before diving into the cooking process, it is essential to select and prepare the chicken feet properly. Fresh chicken feet can be found at most Asian markets and some specialty grocery stores. When choosing chicken feet, look for those that are plump, free of blemishes, and have a white or pale yellow color. Avoid chicken feet that appear discolored or have an off smell.
Cleaning and Trimming
Cleaning chicken feet is a crucial step to ensure they are safe and pleasant to eat. Start by rinsing the feet under cold running water to remove any dirt and debris. Next, trim the nails using a sharp pair of kitchen scissors. This step is important not only for presentation but also for making the feet easier to handle and eat. Some people prefer to remove the outer skin, which can be done by blanching the feet in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then peeling off the skin once it has loosened.
Blanching
Blanching the chicken feet serves multiple purposes: it helps to clean them further, removes any unpleasant odors, and prepares the feet for further cooking. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the chicken feet, and let them cook for about 5 minutes. After blanching, transfer the feet to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep them tender.
Traditional Chinese Chicken Feet Recipes
There are several popular Chinese recipes for chicken feet, each offering a unique flavor profile and texture. Here, we will discuss three classic methods: Braised Chicken Feet, Dim Sum Style Steamed Chicken Feet, and Spicy Sichuan Chicken Feet.
Braised Chicken Feet
Braised chicken feet are a staple in Chinese home cooking. This method involves slow-cooking the feet in a flavorful sauce until they become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the braising liquid.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken feet, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 slices ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf, stirring for about a minute to release their aromas.
- Brown the Chicken Feet: Add the cleaned chicken feet to the pot, stirring to coat them in the oil and spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to brown slightly.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, stirring to combine. Add the chicken broth and Shaoxing wine, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken feet simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. The braised chicken feet can be enjoyed hot as a main dish or a savory appetizer.
Dim Sum Style Steamed Chicken Feet
Steamed chicken feet are a dim sum classic, often referred to as “Phoenix Claws.” This method involves deep-frying the feet before steaming them in a savory sauce, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and has a delightful, gelatinous texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken feet, cleaned and trimmed
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece ginger, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, chopped
SEE ALSO: How to Cook Beef Noodles Chinese Style
Instructions:
- Deep-fry the Chicken Feet: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken feet, frying them until they turn a golden brown. This process will take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the feet and drain them on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, and chicken broth.
- Steam the Chicken Feet: Place the fried chicken feet in a steamer basket. Pour the sauce over the feet, ensuring they are well-coated. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chili.
- Steam: Steam the chicken feet over boiling water for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Remove the chicken feet from the steamer and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil and add the cornstarch slurry, stirring until it thickens.
- Serve: Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken feet and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy as part of a dim sum spread or as a standalone dish.
Spicy Sichuan Chicken Feet
Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spicy ingredients. This recipe for spicy Sichuan chicken feet combines the characteristic numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns with the richness of soy sauce and the freshness of garlic and ginger.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken feet, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece ginger, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Blanch the Chicken Feet: As before, blanch the chicken feet in boiling water for 5 minutes and transfer them to an ice bath.
- Sauté Spices: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and red chilies, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add Chicken Feet: Add the blanched chicken feet to the pot, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and Shaoxing wine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken feet simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. These spicy Sichuan chicken feet make an excellent appetizer or side dish, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken feet Chinese style is a rewarding culinary experience that showcases the rich flavors and textures of this unique ingredient. Whether braised, steamed, or prepared Sichuan style, chicken feet offer a delicious and culturally significant addition to any meal. By following these traditional methods, you can enjoy chicken feet in a variety of ways, each highlighting the diverse and vibrant world of Chinese cuisine.
From the tender, savory goodness of braised chicken feet to the spicy kick of Sichuan-style preparations, these recipes provide a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of cooking chicken feet. So, the next time you’re looking to try something new and adventurous in the kitchen, consider these Chinese-style chicken feet recipes and embark on a flavorful journey that pays homage to a beloved culinary tradition.
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