Chicken feet dim sum is a beloved Cantonese delicacy, often associated with yum cha or dim sum sessions. Its unique gelatinous texture and rich collagen content make it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken feet: 12-15 pieces
- Ginger: 3-4 slices
- Scallions (green onions): 2, tied into knots
- Cooking wine or Shaoxing wine: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon (for color)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Water: enough to cover chicken feet
- Cantonese-style sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- Steamer
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
- Chopsticks or tongs for handling hot chicken feet
Preparation
Step 1: Cleaning Chicken Feet
Remove Yellow Skin: If the yellow outer skin is still on the chicken feet, you need to remove it. You can do this by blanching the chicken feet in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transferring them to ice water. This will make it easier to peel off the tough skin.
Trim Nails: Use kitchen scissors to trim off the nails of the chicken feet. This step is optional but recommended for a cleaner presentation.
Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the chicken feet under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Step 2: Boiling Chicken Feet
Fill Pot with Water: Place a large pot on the stove and fill it with enough water to fully submerge the chicken feet.
Add Aromatics: Add the ginger slices, tied scallions, and cooking wine to the pot. These aromatics will help to neutralize any unwanted smells and add flavor to the chicken feet.
Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
Simmer: Once the water boils, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken feet simmer gently for about 40-50 minutes. During this time, occasionally skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Check Tenderness: After simmering, use chopsticks or tongs to check the tenderness of the chicken feet. They should be soft and tender, almost falling apart when picked up.
Remove and Cool: Once done, remove the chicken feet from the pot and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
While the chicken feet are cooling, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can also add a bit of water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Step 4: Steaming Chicken Feet
Prepare Steamer: Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
Arrange Chicken Feet: Place the cooled chicken feet in a single layer on a steaming tray. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken feet, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Steam: Cover the steamer and steam the chicken feet for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are heated through and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Serving
Garnish: Once steamed, remove the chicken feet from the steamer and let them cool slightly. You can garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Serve with Sauce: Serve the chicken feet warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a bowl of Cantonese-style sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. The sauce can be a simple mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped garlic, or you can use a store-bought Cantonese-style dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Quality of Chicken Feet: Ensure you use fresh chicken feet with white and glossy skin. Avoid those that are sticky or have a strong odor.
Simmering Time: Simmering the chicken feet for the right amount of time is crucial. They should be tender but not overly mushy.
Sauce Adjustments: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken feet. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, ensuring it’s not too salty or too sweet.
Steaming: Steaming helps to keep the chicken feet moist and flavorful. Avoid over-steaming, as this can make them too soft and lose their shape.
Conclusion
Preparing Chinese chicken feet dim sum may seem challenging initially, but with the appropriate ingredients and techniques, one can produce a delectable and gratifying dish. The high collagen content and distinctive flavor profile make chicken feet a beloved choice among dim sum enthusiasts. By adhering to this guide, you can savor tender and flavorful chicken feet dim sum at home, ideal for enjoying with tea alongside family and friends. Regardless of whether you are an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers an opportunity to explore the delights of traditional Cantonese cuisine.
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