Chicken Feet Recipe (Phoenix Claws - Dim Sum Style)
Phoenix Claws, commonly known as Chicken Feet, is a popular dim sum dish featuring deep-fried and braised chicken feet simmered in a rich, savory black bean garlic sauce. Loved for its tender, gelatinous texture and bold flavor, this dish is a must-have in traditional Hong Kong “yum cha”.
Menu: Chicken Feet (Phoenix Claws)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 3–4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Feet
- 500 grams chicken feet, cleaned and nails trimmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (for cleaning)
- Oil for deep frying
For the Braising Sauce
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (optional)
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Chicken Feet
Wash chicken feet thoroughly with salt and vinegar. Rinse well and trim off the nails.
Step 2: Pre-Boil
Boil chicken feet in water for 5–10 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and pat dry completely.
Step 3: Deep Fry
Heat oil and carefully deep-fry the chicken feet until golden and puffed. Remove and soak immediately in cold water for at least 1 hour to achieve a soft texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a pan, sauté garlic and black beans until fragrant. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, chili paste, and water. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Braise the Chicken Feet
Add the soaked chicken feet into the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes until tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Steam for Final Texture
Transfer to a steamer and steam for another 15–20 minutes for extra softness.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with the rich sauce, best enjoyed with steamed rice or as part of dim sum.
Tips for Perfect Phoenix Claws
- Dry chicken feet well before frying to avoid oil splatter.
- Soaking after frying creates the signature wrinkled texture.
- Use fermented black beans for authentic flavor.
- Braise slowly for maximum tenderness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the soak – results in tough texture.
- Undercooking – chicken feet remain chewy.
- Too much salt – black beans are already salty.
- High heat braising – can toughen the skin.
Extra Info / Insights
The name “Phoenix Claws” comes from the resemblance of chicken feet to a phoenix’s talons in Chinese culture. This dish is prized not for meat, but for its collagen-rich skin and unique texture. It is often considered a delicacy and a test of authentic dim sum cooking skills.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQ
- Is chicken feet safe to eat? – Yes, when properly cleaned and cooked.
- Why deep fry first? – It creates the signature texture and helps absorb sauce.
- Can I skip frying? – Possible, but texture will differ.
- How do I store leftovers? – Refrigerate and reheat by steaming.
- What does it taste like? – Savory, slightly gelatinous, and rich in flavor.
Internal Links
Related recipes: Char Siu Bao, Siu Mai
Conclusion
This Chicken Feet (Phoenix Claws) Recipe brings authentic dim sum flavor with tender, flavorful bites coated in rich black bean sauce. A unique and delicious dish for adventurous food lovers.
