Cooking chicken feet in a pressure cooker is an easy and quick way to prepare this delicacy. Known for its rich collagen content and unique texture, chicken feet are enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide. Whether you’re using them to make soup, stew, or as a snack, the pressure cooker helps soften the feet and infuses them with flavors in no time. This guide will walk you through the entire process of cooking chicken feet in a pressure cooker, including preparation, cooking, and tips for enhancing the taste.
What You Need to Cook Chicken Feet
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s first make sure you have all the ingredients and tools you’ll need.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) of chicken feet
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3-4 slices of ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 2 dried red chilies (optional)
- 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (optional)
- Fresh herbs like spring onions or cilantro (for garnish)
Tools
- Pressure cooker
- Strainer or bowl (for cleaning the chicken feet)
- Knife (for any trimming needed)
- Cutting board
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Feet
Cleaning the Chicken Feet
The first step is to clean the chicken feet thoroughly. They often have dirt and impurities attached to the skin, so washing them properly is essential.
Remove the outer skin: Start by cutting off any remaining yellow skin, often found on the chicken feet. Use a sharp knife to trim off the tough, yellowish skin around the toes.
Peel off the nails: Chicken feet have hard, sharp nails. Using a pair of kitchen scissors or a knife, carefully snip off the nails. This helps to remove any unpleasant texture and sharpness.
Rinse thoroughly: After trimming, rinse the feet under cold running water. You can also soak them in water for a few minutes to ensure any remaining impurities are removed.
Optional: Blanching the Chicken Feet
Blanching is optional but can help remove excess fat and impurities. It also helps to give the feet a cleaner taste.
Boil a pot of water, and add the chicken feet.
Boil for 3-5 minutes, then remove the feet and rinse them again under cold water.
Step 2: Prepare the Pressure Cooker
Before cooking, it’s important to prepare the pressure cooker by adding the necessary liquids and seasonings.
Add liquid: Pour about 2 cups of water or chicken broth into the pressure cooker. The liquid helps to create steam, which is essential for cooking the feet in a pressure cooker.
Season the broth: Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine (if using), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. These ingredients will help flavor the chicken feet.
Aromatic ingredients: Add the ginger slices, smashed garlic, and dried chilies (if you like a bit of spice) to the broth. These ingredients will infuse the chicken feet with aromatic flavors while cooking.
Optional: For extra richness, add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the broth.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Feet in the Pressure Cooker
Once the chicken feet and seasonings are ready, it’s time to cook them.
Place the chicken feet in the pressure cooker: Add the cleaned chicken feet to the pressure cooker. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid.
Seal and set the cooker: Close the pressure cooker lid tightly, ensuring the valve is sealed. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure.
Cooking time: Set the timer for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and tenderness of the chicken feet. After 15 minutes, check the texture. The feet should be soft, with the skin easily separating from the bones.
Natural release: After the cooking time is up, let the pressure cooker release the pressure naturally. This means you don’t need to open the valve immediately. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 4: Final Adjustments and Serving
Check the Texture and Flavor
Once the chicken feet are cooked, check the texture. The skin should be soft and tender, and the feet should be easy to bite into. If they are not as tender as you like, you can reseal the pressure cooker and cook for another 5 minutes.
If the flavor needs more seasoning, you can add a little more soy sauce or salt to taste. For a little extra depth, a splash of vinegar can balance the flavors.
Garnishing
Before serving, garnish the chicken feet with fresh herbs like spring onions or cilantro. This adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich, savory broth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken feet are cooked and garnished, it’s time to serve them. You can enjoy them as a snack, or pair them with rice or noodles to make a hearty meal. Chicken feet are often served as part of a larger dish, such as in a soup or stew.
Serving Suggestions
As a Snack: Simply serve the chicken feet on a plate, and enjoy them as a delicious, savory treat.
In Soup: Add some vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots to the pressure cooker and serve the chicken feet in a rich, flavorful broth.
With Rice or Noodles: Combine the chicken feet with some steamed rice or noodles to create a full meal.
Why Cook Chicken Feet in a Pressure Cooker?
Cooking chicken feet in a pressure cooker offers many advantages. Here are a few reasons why it’s an excellent choice:
Quick Cooking
Chicken feet take time to cook, but using a pressure cooker speeds up the process significantly. In a standard pot, you might need to simmer the feet for 1-2 hours, but with a pressure cooker, the process takes only about 15-20 minutes.
Tender Texture
The high pressure in the cooker helps break down the collagen and softens the tough skin and bones of the chicken feet. This results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for people who love this delicacy.
Flavor Infusion
The pressure cooker is also great for infusing flavors. Since the cooker traps the steam, the seasonings and aromatic ingredients (like ginger and garlic) infuse deeply into the chicken feet, creating a rich, savory taste.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Feet
To enhance your chicken feet cooking experience, here are some tips:
Trim the feet well: Take your time when trimming the chicken feet to ensure there are no nails or tough skin left.
Use chicken broth: If you want extra flavor, cook the chicken feet in chicken broth instead of water.
Experiment with spices: Depending on your preference, you can add other spices like star anise, cinnamon, or even a dash of white pepper to give the dish more complexity.
Add vegetables: For a more nutritious meal, add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or lotus root to the pressure cooker along with the chicken feet.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken feet in a pressure cooker is a simple and fast way to prepare this flavorful dish. With its rich collagen and savory broth, chicken feet are a great addition to any meal, and the pressure cooker makes the process easy and efficient. Whether you’re new to cooking chicken feet or a seasoned pro, this method will help you achieve the perfect tenderness and flavor every time.
Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed meal in less time!
Related topics
