Preserve and Flavour: A Complete Guide to Chinese Pickled Chicken Feet Recipe

Pickled chicken feet are a popular snack in China and are often served with beer or other drinks. The feet are first blanched and then quick-pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. The result is a tangy and spicy flavour that is sure to tickle your taste buds.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese pickled chicken feet are a popular snack in China that has been around for centuries.
• The dish is made by quick-pickling chicken feet in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Pickled chicken feet are often served as a snack or appetiser and pair well with beer or other drinks.

History and Cultural Significance

If you are a fan of Chinese food, you have probably heard of pickled chicken feet. This snack is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a dim sum item.

Pickled chicken feet have a long history in Chinese culture. In fact, they have been a part of Chinese cuisine for over 3,000 years! They were originally called "Phoenix Claws" and were considered a delicacy in the imperial court.

Today, pickled chicken feet are still a popular snack in China and are enjoyed by people of all ages. They are often served at dim sum restaurants as a small dish to accompany tea.

In addition to being a tasty snack, pickled chicken feet also have cultural significance in China. In Chinese culture, the phoenix is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The shape of the chicken feet resembles the claws of a phoenix, which is why they are sometimes referred to as "phoenix talons".

Pickled chicken feet are an important part of Chinese food culture. They have a long and fascinating history and continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Selecting and Preparing Chicken Feet

Choosing Quality Chicken Feet

When selecting chicken feet for pickling, it's important to choose fresh, high-quality feet. Look for feet that are plump and free of any cuts or bruises. It's also important to choose feet from a reputable butcher or grocery store.

Cleaning and Nail Removal

Before pickling the chicken feet, it's important to thoroughly clean them and remove the nails. Start by rinsing the feet under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, use a sharp knife to remove the nails from the feet.

Once the nails have been removed, place the feet in a large pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This will help to remove any remaining dirt or debris and will also help to soften the skin.

After blanching, remove the feet from the pot and rinse them under cold water. Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off any excess skin or fat from the feet.

Now that the chicken feet are clean and prepared, they are ready to be pickled. Follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure that your pickled chicken feet turn out delicious and flavourful.

Pickling Ingredients and Flavours

If you're interested in making pickled chicken feet, you'll need to know about the essential spices and seasonings that are used in this dish. Here are some of the most important ingredients to keep in mind:

Essential Spices and Seasonings

• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, fragrant kick to the pickling liquid. You can use either grated or sliced ginger in your recipe.
• Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient in any pickling recipe, as it helps to draw out moisture from the chicken feet and preserve them.
• Pepper: Black pepper is often used in pickling recipes to add a subtle heat and depth of flavour.
• Spices: Other spices, such as star anise, bay leaves, and pickled pepper, are often used to add complexity to the pickling liquid.
• Sugar: Sugar is used to balance out the sourness of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic and Onion: Garlic and onion are often used in pickling recipes to add a savoury, umami flavour to the dish.

Vinegars and Their Roles

In addition to the spices and seasonings, you'll also need to choose the right type of vinegar for your pickled chicken feet recipe. Here are some of the most common types of vinegar used in Chinese pickling recipes:

• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar that is often used in pickling recipes. It's made from fermented rice and has a delicate flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in your recipe.
• White Vinegar: White vinegar is a stronger, more acidic vinegar that is often used in pickling recipes. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in pickled chicken feet.
• Light Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce is a thin, salty sauce that is often used in Chinese cooking. It adds a savoury, umami flavour to the pickling liquid.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce is a thicker, sweeter sauce that is often used in Chinese cooking. It adds a rich, caramelised flavour to the pickling liquid.
• Sichuan Peppercorns: Sichuan peppercorns are a key ingredient in Sichuan cuisine. They have a unique, numbing flavour that pairs well with the other spices in pickled chicken feet.

By using the right combination of spices, seasonings, and vinegars, you can create a delicious and flavourful pickled chicken feet dish that is sure to impress.

The Pickling Process

Pickled chicken feet are a popular snack in China, often served with beer or other drinks. The pickling process involves several steps, including blanching and soaking the chicken feet, mixing the pickling solution, and marinating and storing the feet.

Blanching and Soaking

To prepare the chicken feet for pickling, you need to blanch them first. Blanching helps to remove any impurities and soften the skin. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chicken feet. Cook for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the heat and drain.

After blanching, soak the chicken feet in cold water for at least 30 minutes to cool them down and remove any remaining impurities. You can also add a tablespoon of salt to the water to help remove any lingering odours.

Mixing the Pickling Solution

The pickling solution consists of vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar over low heat, then add the garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before using.

Marinating and Storing

Place the blanched and soaked chicken feet in a container and pour the pickling solution over them. Cover the container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. The longer you marinate the chicken feet, the more flavourful they will be.

During the pickling process, make sure to turn the chicken feet occasionally to ensure that they are evenly coated with the pickling solution. After marinating, you can store the pickled chicken feet in the fridge for up to a week.

The pickling process for chicken feet is relatively simple and straightforward. With a little bit of prep time and cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious and unique snack that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Now that you have made your delicious pickled chicken feet, it's time to serve them up. These little snacks are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they pair well with a variety of different drinks and side dishes.

For an appetizing snack, try serving your pickled chicken feet with a cold beer. The spicy and tangy flavors of the chicken feet complement the bitterness of the beer, making for a delicious combination.

If you're looking for something a little more refreshing, try pairing your chicken feet with a slice of lemon. The acidity of the lemon helps to cut through the richness of the chicken feet, making them even more delicious.

For a more substantial meal, try serving your pickled chicken feet as a main course. Simply pair them with some steamed rice and a side of coriander, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.

No matter how you choose to serve your pickled chicken feet, one thing is for sure: they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So why not give this delicious and unique recipe a try today?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple pickled chicken feet dish?

To make a simple pickled chicken feet dish, you will need to blanch the chicken feet first, and then pickle them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. You can find a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions at China Sichuan Food.

What's the traditional Chinese style for pickling chicken feet?

The traditional Chinese style for pickling chicken feet involves using pickled mountain pepper, vinegar, and Sichuan pepper. The resulting dish is known for its hot and sour refreshing taste, tough skin, and meaty fragrance. You can find a recipe for this style of pickled chicken feet at Miss Chinese Food.

Can you use a slow cooker to pickle chicken feet?

No, you cannot use a slow cooker to pickle chicken feet. Pickling chicken feet requires a quick blanching process followed by a pickling process that involves boiling the chicken feet in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. A slow cooker is not suitable for this process.

What are the health benefits of eating chicken feet?

Chicken feet are a good source of collagen, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. They are also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are good for joint health. Additionally, chicken feet are a good source of protein and are low in fat.

Is it necessary to boil chicken feet before pickling?

Yes, it is necessary to boil chicken feet before pickling them. Boiling the chicken feet helps to remove any impurities and soften the skin, making it easier for the pickling mixture to penetrate the meat.

What's the flavour profile of pickled chicken feet like?

Pickled chicken feet have a unique flavour profile that is tangy, savoury, and slightly spicy. The pickling mixture gives the chicken feet a sour taste, while the Sichuan peppercorns add a numbing sensation to the dish. The skin of the chicken feet is tough and chewy, while the meat inside is tender and succulent.