Chicken feet, often referred to as ‘chicken claws,’ are a popular delicacy in many parts of the world and a staple in Cantonese cuisine. A common sight in dim sum restaurants worldwide, these delicious bites might seem intimidating at first, but with this guide, you’ll learn how to make this iconic dim sum dish at home, offering an easy method for preparing a meal that’s sure to impress.
- Introduction
- Ingredients and Preparation
- Cooking Methods for Chicken Feet Dim Sum
- Serving and Enjoying Chicken Feet Dim Sum
- Traditional vs Easy Methods for Making Chicken Feet Dim Sum
- Conclusion
- People also ask
- Q: What are chicken feet dim sum?
- Q: How do I cook chicken feet for dim sum?
- Q: What are the key ingredients for making chicken feet dim sum?
- Q: Can I reheat chicken feet dim sum?
- Q: How long should I steam chicken feet for dim sum?
- Q: What are some reader interactions for making chicken feet dim sum at home?
- Q: What is the process for cooking chicken feet for dim sum?
- Q: How can I make the braising sauce for chicken feet dim sum?
- Q: Are chicken feet a popular dim sum dish?
- Q: Can I use an air fryer to cook chicken feet for dim sum at home?
Introduction
What is Chicken Feet Dim Sum?
Chicken feet dim sum, also known as ‘Phoenix Claws,’ is a traditional Cantonese dish often served in small steamer baskets alongside other famous dim sum dishes such as Char Siu Bao. The chicken feet, or ‘claws’, are deep-fried, then steamed and braised in a savory and aromatic sauce made with soy sauce, star anise, rice wine, and other ingredients, resulting in a tender, chewy, and flavorful dish.
Why Chicken Feet Dim Sum is Iconic
Chicken feet dim sum is an iconic dish due to its unique flavor profile and texture, as well as its cultural significance. The abundance of collagen in the skin of the chicken gives this dish a distinctively puffy and gelatinous texture, which is highly prized in Chinese cuisine. Moreover, chicken feet are a testament to the philosophy of not wasting any part of the animal, demonstrating respect and appreciation for nature’s bounty.
Ingredients and Preparation
Gathering the Ingredients
To make dim sum style chicken feet at home, you will need the following ingredients: chicken feet, star anise, light soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, black bean sauce, and cooking oil. These ingredients can be found in most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find chicken feet, don’t fret. Most butchers will have them, so it’s worth asking.
Preparing the Chicken Feet
To prepare the chicken feet for cooking, first, clean the feet thoroughly under running water. This step is crucial to ensure that any dirt or grime is removed from the skin. Once cleaned, pat dry the chicken feet with a kitchen towel. Some cooks also prefer to blanch the chicken feet in boiling water for a few minutes to further clean them and soften the skin. After blanching, place the chicken feet in a bowl of cold water to cool down, then pat dry again.
Cooking Methods for Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Frying the Chicken Feet
The first step in making dim sum chicken feet is to deep fry them. Heat some oil in a wok until it begins to shimmer, then carefully lower the chicken feet into the oil. Fry the chicken feet in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok, which could lead to uneven cooking. The aim here is not to fully cook the chicken feet, but to crisp up the skin, creating a puffy appearance. Be careful as the oil may splatter during this process.
Steaming the Chicken Feet
After frying, the next step is to steam the chicken feet. Place the fried chicken feet in a steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes. This process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with moisture, preparing it for the braising step. It’s important to note that the chicken feet should be steamed until they’re just cooked through – over-steaming can result in a mushy texture.
Braising the Chicken Feet
Once the chicken feet are steamed, it’s time to braise them in a flavorful sauce. Add star anise, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and black bean sauce to a wok with some boiling water, then add the chicken feet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let the chicken feet braise in the liquid for about an hour. This step infuses the chicken feet with the savory and aromatic flavors of the braising liquid, resulting in delicious chicken feet that are tender and full of flavor.
Serving and Enjoying Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Tips for Eating Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Eating chicken feet may be a new experience for many, but don’t let the unfamiliarity deter you. Like chicken wings, the best way to eat chicken feet is with your hands – feel free to get messy! Some people like to bite off the ‘fingers’ from the claw first, while others prefer to start from the base. Regardless of how you eat them, savor the flavors and enjoy the experience.
Popular Accompaniments for Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Chicken feet dim sum is often served with other dim sum dishes, making it a part of a larger, shared meal. Popular accompaniments include steamed buns like Char Siu Bao, dumplings, and rice rolls. A pot of hot tea is also a classic companion to dim sum, helping to balance out the richness of the dishes.
Traditional vs Easy Methods for Making Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Traditional Cooking Process for Chicken Feet Dim Sum
The traditional way of making chicken feet dim sum involves several steps, each contributing to the final texture and flavor of the dish. This includes deep-frying the chicken feet first to puff up the skin, followed by steaming to tenderize the meat, and finally, braising in a flavorful sauce to infuse the chicken feet with taste. While this method is more time-consuming, it results in a dish that is incredibly rich in flavor and distinct in texture.
Easy Method for Making Chicken Feet Dim Sum at Home
If you’re short on time or new to cooking, there’s an easy method for making chicken feet dim sum at home. Instead of deep-frying, you can blanch the chicken feet in boiling water, then steam and braise as per the traditional method. While this method may not yield the puffy skin characteristic of traditionally prepared chicken feet, it still results in a delicious dish that’s easier to prepare. The key is to take your time during the braising step, allowing the chicken feet to soak up all the flavors of the braising liquid.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Chicken Feet Dim Sum
Chicken feet dim sum, while perhaps a bit unusual to some, is a dish worth trying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking to try a new recipe or someone interested in exploring different cuisines, making chicken feet dim sum at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and enjoyment, so don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and give this iconic dim sum dish a try.
People also ask
Q: What are chicken feet dim sum?
A: Chicken feet dim sum, also known as “feng zhao” in Cantonese, are an iconic dim sum dish that features braised chicken claws in a flavorful sauce.
Q: How do I cook chicken feet for dim sum?
A: To cook chicken feet for dim sum, you can braise them in a mixture of water, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fermented black beans, and other seasonings until they become tender and flavorful.
Q: What are the key ingredients for making chicken feet dim sum?
A: The key ingredients for making chicken feet dim sum include chicken claws, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fermented black beans, and other seasonings for the braising liquid.
Q: Can I reheat chicken feet dim sum?
A: Yes, you can reheat leftover chicken feet dim sum by gently reheating them in a steamer or microwave until they are heated through.
Q: How long should I steam chicken feet for dim sum?
A: You can steam the chicken feet for dim sum for approximately 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
Q: What are some reader interactions for making chicken feet dim sum at home?
A: Some reader interactions for making chicken feet dim sum at home include tips for cleaning, preparing, and braising the chicken claws to perfection.
Q: What is the process for cooking chicken feet for dim sum?
A: The process for cooking chicken feet for dim sum involves cleaning and trimming the claws, simmering them in a flavorful braising liquid, and then steaming or braising them until they are tender and flavorful.
Q: How can I make the braising sauce for chicken feet dim sum?
A: You can make the braising sauce for chicken feet dim sum by combining dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fermented black beans, cooking wine, and other seasonings in a pot and bringing it to a boil before adding the chicken feet.
Q: Are chicken feet a popular dim sum dish?
A: Yes, chicken feet are a popular Cantonese dim sum offering known for their tender texture and rich flavor, often enjoyed for their unique taste and texture.
Q: Can I use an air fryer to cook chicken feet for dim sum at home?
A: Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook chicken feet for dim sum at home by placing the braised chicken claws into the air fryer and cooking them for about 10 minutes until they are crispy and flavorful.