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Indulge in the rich flavors of Chinese-style fragrant chicken feet, sweet, tender, and bursting with spices. Join Mytour in unveiling the secrets of crafting this simple yet exquisite dish!
1. Introduction to Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet
As a dish brimming with traditional Chinese flavors, Chinese-style fragrant chicken feet can serve as the star of a piping hot family dinner or make a perfect appetizer for your next gathering.
Experience the tenderness of Chinese-style silky chicken feet, paired with the rich flavors of black bean sauce. Traditionally, these chicken feet are steamed until succulent. However, for a time-saving option, simmering them in a small fire for around 30 minutes yields a delicious and complete dish of fragrant Chinese-style chicken feet.
Image: @minhhong91
2. How to Make Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet
2.1. Ingredients:
- Chicken feet: 500 grams
Ingredients for cleaning chicken feet:
- Baking soda: 15 grams (available at supermarkets or baking supply stores)
- Rice vinegar: 15ml
Ingredients for creating aroma:
- Ginger: 30 grams
- Garlic: 5 grams
- Star anise: 3 blossoms
- Cloves: 4 buds (substitute with cinnamon if cloves are unavailable)
- Ground pepper: 2 grams
Spices:
- Soy sauce: 15ml
- Oyster sauce: 15ml
- Black bean sauce: 45ml
- Sesame oil: 5ml
- Chinese five-spice powder: 2 grams
Other Ingredients:
- Cornstarch: 100 grams
- Cooking oil: 50ml
- Fish sauce, salt, seasoning granules,...
2.2. How to Make Flavorful Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Feet
Image: Savoury Days
- Massage sea salt onto the prepared chicken feet, squeezing them to remove impurities and sanitize. Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Dissolve 15 grams of baking soda and 15ml of rice vinegar in water. Soak the chicken feet in this mixture for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures cleaner and faster tenderization of the chicken feet for this Chinese-style fragrant chicken feet recipe.
- Remove the chicken feet and let them drain.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Clean and finely chop the ginger and garlic.
- Rinse the cloves and star anise.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Feet
- Coat chicken feet with 100 grams of cornstarch, ensuring an even layer covering each piece. The cornstarch layer adds a crispy texture when frying.
Image: Savoury Days
- Heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a pan to submerge the chicken feet, then bring the oil to a high temperature.
- Next, gently drop the cornstarch-coated chicken feet into the hot oil and fry over medium heat for approximately 5-6 minutes.
Tip: Avoid over-frying to prevent the chicken feet from becoming dry and tough, preserving the deliciousness of the dish.
Image: Savoury Days
- Remove the chicken feet from the hot oil, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water, and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes before serving. Immersing the chicken feet in cold water helps them plump up after cooking, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken Feet
- After chilling in cold water, lift the chicken feet and let them drain. Place the drained chicken feet in a clean bowl, add 15ml oyster sauce, 15ml soy sauce, 5ml sesame oil, 45ml black bean sauce, 2 grams Chinese five-spice powder, 2 grams ground pepper, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon seasoning.
- Mix well and let the spices marinate for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet
- Heat a bit of cooking oil in a pan (about 3-4 tablespoons), add ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken feet, stir evenly, and continue the process for about 2 minutes.
- Pour enough water to cover the chicken feet, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer the chicken feet over low heat for about 7-10 minutes, then add star anise and cloves.
- Continue simmering over low heat for another 30-40 minutes until the chicken feet are tender, and the broth is thick and flavorful. Season with fish sauce and salt to taste!
Image: Savoury Days
Step 6: Final Touch
- Place the chicken feet on a plate and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with a few sprigs of cilantro to enhance the presentation.
Explore more: How to Make Hainanese Chicken Rice at Home – Michelin 5* Restaurant Standard
3. Finished Dish
After the cooking process, the dish emanates an irresistibly enticing aroma. A plate of Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet boasts a honey-like color that harmonizes with the luscious, glossy, and visually appealing sauce. The tender chicken feet, soaked in flavorful spices, exhibit a delightful sweetness and tenderness, enveloped in the rich, aromatic sauce.
Image: @lytrang152
Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet pairs well with hot rice or bread, offering a delightful blend of fragrance and richness. Dipping bread into the savory sauce of Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet enhances both the aroma and texture. With a little effort and patience, you can prepare this favorite family dish for the weekend.
4. Some Handy Tips for Choosing Chicken Feet
Making Chinese-Style Fragrant Chicken Feet is simple, yet selecting the right chicken feet is crucial for an even more delicious outcome. Here are some helpful tips when choosing chicken feet: - Avoid slimy chicken feet. - Press lightly on chicken feet while selecting; if any liquid comes out, it indicates water injection and is best avoided. - Opt for chicken feet with an even pink color; avoid those with dark hues or red blood spots.
- Explore the art of making Hoi An-style chicken rice and the deliciously unique technique for crafting flavorful oily rice chicken.
