Cantonese Braised Chicken Feet Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cantonese Braised Chicken Feet Ingredients

Cantonese Braised Chicken Feet Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken feet thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing to remove any dirt. Use kitchen shears to trim off the nails at the first joint of each toe.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cleaned chicken feet and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove any impurities.
  3. Pat the chicken feet dry with paper towels. Heat peanut oil in a deep pot or wok to 350°F (175°C). Deep fry the chicken feet in batches for 3-4 minutes until the skin puffs and turns golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Transfer the fried chicken feet to a large bowl of ice water and soak for 2 hours. This will help the skin become gelatinous and tender.
  5. In a clean wok or large pot, heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil over medium heat. Add smashed garlic, sliced ginger, and scallion pieces. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add star anise pods, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  7. Pour in Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, rock sugar, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Stir to dissolve the sugar and mix well.
  8. Add chicken stock and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  9. Drain the soaked chicken feet and add them to the braising sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
  10. Cover and simmer the chicken feet over low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  11. Drizzle in sesame oil and black vinegar. Stir gently to combine and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. Remove the pot from heat and let the chicken feet cool in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  13. Transfer the chicken feet to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced red chili and chopped cilantro before serving.

Estimated Calories: 150, Servings: 4

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About Cantonese-Style Braised Chicken Feet Recipe

If you're searching for the best recipe to create authentic, homemade Braised Chicken Feet with a Cantonese flair, you've come to the right place. This dish is a staple in dim sum restaurants, and with my easy, step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to make it at home with perfect results every time. The key to a delicious and tasty outcome lies in selecting the right ingredients and following a simple process that brings out the rich, savory flavors unique to this classic recipe.
One of my top tips for achieving the best Braised Chicken Feet is to start with fresh, high-quality chicken feet and to blanch them thoroughly before braising. This not only ensures a clean taste but also helps the skin achieve that signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of soy sauce, star anise, and other aromatic ingredients creates a quick yet deeply flavorful sauce that infuses every bite. If you're wondering how to make this dish at home, rest assured that my recipe is both easy and quick, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
For those who crave a truly authentic experience, don't skip the step of deep-frying the chicken feet before braising-this is what gives the skin its irresistible, gelatinous quality. My homemade version is not only simple but also delivers the best results, rivaling any restaurant. With these tips and the right ingredients, you'll master how to make the perfect, tasty Braised Chicken Feet that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of creating a beloved Cantonese delicacy in your own kitchen!

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, the best way to keep your Cantonese-Style Braised Chicken Feet fresh and delicious is to pop them into an airtight container and slide them into the fridge. This is a great move if you want to enjoy your healthy snack over a few days without any flavor shenanigans. If you are feeling extra organized, you can even portion them out for a quick and easy grab when the craving strikes, making your life as fast and efficient as a dim sum cart on a Sunday morning.
Now, let us talk about shelf life, because nobody wants a science experiment in their fridge. These tasty morsels are at their best within three days of cooking, so do not let them linger too long. If you are following a recipe that makes a big batch, freezing is a good option for longer storage, but remember, the texture might change a bit. For the best results, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat for a quick and easy treat that is still pretty delicious.
Spoilage signs are not to be ignored, unless you are auditioning for a role in a food safety PSA. If your chicken feet start to smell funky, develop a slimy texture, or show any suspicious colors, it is time to say goodbye. Trust your senses, because even the best recipe cannot save a dish that has gone rogue. When in doubt, toss it out and whip up a fresh batch for a healthy, great, and safe snacking experience!

Cantonese-Style Braised Chicken Feet Story

When I first encountered this dish, my inner skeptic and my upbringing had a quick and rather dramatic face-off. My family always believed that the best meals were the ones that looked familiar and, well, had no visible toes. So, when I was presented with this recipe, my mind raced through every good excuse to politely decline. But curiosity, that mischievous little gremlin, whispered that sometimes the most delicious experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it means stepping into a dish that literally has feet in it.
My cultural background is all about hearty, easy meals that you can eat with a fork and knife, preferably without any anatomical surprises. This dish, however, challenged that notion in a great way. It was a healthy reminder that food traditions around the world are as diverse as they are fascinating. I had to admit, the fast judgments I made were not nearly as satisfying as the slow-cooked flavors I eventually tasted. Sometimes, the best way to learn is to let go of what you think you know and just dig in, even if it means using your hands and a sense of humor.
After the initial shock wore off, I realized that trying something so different was actually a delicious adventure. It was not just about the food, but about breaking down barriers and embracing new experiences. The recipe for growth, it turns out, is a mix of open-mindedness, a dash of bravery, and a willingness to laugh at yourself when you fumble with unfamiliar dishes. In the end, I learned that great memories are made when you are willing to try something new, even if it is not the easy or obvious choice. And who knows, maybe next time I will be the one encouraging others to take a quick leap of faith at the dinner table!

Cantonese-Style Braised Chicken Feet Tips

Ready to make your taste buds do a happy dance? For the best Cantonese-inspired Braised Chicken Feet recipe, the secret is all in the prep! Start by giving those feet a spa day-thoroughly clean and trim them for a truly authentic and delicious result. If you want to know how to make this dish at home, remember: patience is your best friend. Slow braising is the key to achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Want to impress your friends with your homemade skills? Here's a quick tip: after blanching, give the chicken feet a cold water bath. This simple step helps them stay plump and gives your recipe that restaurant-quality look. For a tasty twist, try adding a dash of five-spice powder or a splash of Shaoxing wine to your ingredients-these little extras can take your dish from good to the best in town!
If you're after an easy and quick way to boost flavor, don't skip the caramelization step. Browning the feet before braising brings out a deep, rich taste that's simply irresistible. For the perfect finish, let the sauce thicken until it clings lovingly to every toe-because nobody likes a watery sauce!
Looking for more tips? Serve your Braised Chicken Feet with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a side of chili oil for that extra zing. With these simple tricks, your recipe will be the talk of the dim sum table-delicious, authentic, and oh-so-tasty!

Cantonese-Style Braised Chicken Feet Quick Mistake Fixes

If you find your chicken feet tasting like they took a swim in the Dead Sea, you might have gone a bit wild with the salt. The best way to avoid a sodium overload is to remember that a little goes a long way, especially with ingredients that soak up flavors like a sponge. If you do end up with a dish that could double as a salt lick, a quick fix is to toss in a splash of water or unsalted broth and let it simmer for a few more minutes. This easy trick can help dilute the saltiness and bring your recipe back from the brink, making it delicious and healthy again.
Nobody wants to gnaw on chicken feet that are drier than a stand-up comedian's wit or, on the flip side, so soggy they could be mistaken for a wet sock. The best chicken feet should be tender, not tough, and have a good bite without falling apart. If you find your dish is too dry, a fast solution is to add a bit more liquid and let it braise gently. On the other hand, if things are looking soggy, crank up the heat for a quick minute to reduce excess liquid. With a little attention, you can turn a potential disaster into a great, easy meal that everyone will love.
Balancing flavors in this dish is like conducting a symphony-one wrong note and the whole thing can go off-key. If you taste your creation and it feels like something is missing, don't panic! A quick dash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of sugar, or a splash of vinegar can work wonders. The best chefs know that last minute changes can transform a bland dish into something truly delicious. Trust your taste buds, make those fast adjustments, and you'll have a recipe that's not just good, but great.