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Sticky and tender Dim Sum Chicken Feet will fill your kitchen with aromatic scents of the Orient! A delicious side or appetizer to your favorite dish.

Chicken feet are a popular delicacy not only in Asia but also Africa and Eastern Europe. Each country have their own variation of chicken feet recipe depending on the local ingredients available.

I’m only familiar with the dim sum style of China and the street food version of Philippines and both are amazing. I never pass on a chance to order a plate when dining at dim sum restaurant or buy a couple from side street vendors when visiting Philippines .

Dim Sum vs. Adidas

It is fondly called “adidas” in the Philippines based on the famous “foot wear”. Usually considered as street food like fish balls and kwek-kwek, that are boiled then grilled in charcoal. You then have the option to dip it in either spicy vinegar or manong’s sauce.

In China, it is called fèng zhǎo which translates to phoenix talons or phoenix claws. This dim sum dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine. It is cooked by braising the chicken feet is spices and seasoning such as chili powder, black bean sauce and five spice.

What to expect

When you make this homemade braised chicken feet, expect a fall-of-the bone treat with amazing flavors. The claw consist mostly of skin and cartilage which is very gelatinous hence sticky. You’ll enjoy some sweetness, savory flavors plus a bit of heat in every bite because of the slow cooking in braising liquid.

Where to buy?

If you’re planning to make this dish, the first thing you need to know is where to buy chicken feet. In Asia, a trip to the wet market will easily reward you with the amount you need. If living abroad like in the U.S. or Europe, like me, you can buy them at Asian stores.

Before cooking, you need to prepare the talons by cutting the tip of the claws where the nails are either with kitchen scissors or a knife. Rub salt on the skin to remove grime and dirt then rinse with water. Pat dry each claw with kitchen towel giving it a squeeze to remove excess water to avoid oil splatter when frying.

How to Make Chicken Dim Sum

The method used in this recipe to cook the talons leans a bit on the traditional side with a pit stop which is ice bath. Deep frying the chicken feet helps break down some of the feet’s stiffness and makes it more plump.

Soaking the feet in water with ice right after frying and letting it soak for at least an hour allows collagen to form giving it the dish its distinctive texture.

Finally cooking the feet low and slow in liquid with spices and seasoning to soak up all the wonderful flavors and tenderize to avoid tough and chewy skin.

Notes on Spices and Seasoning

These are essential ingredients in making chicken feet dish. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or give it more punch by adjusting the chili powder.

Brown sugar – can be replaced with white sugar.
Soy sauce – I suggest using dark soy sauce to give the dish a deep rich color but light soy sauce will also work.
Shaoxing wine – is optional or you can also use cooking wine.
Black beans – drain the water from the can and rinse in water.
Five spice – if you can’t get hold of five spice you can substitute with star anis.
Garlic and ginger slices – are key ingredients for the sauce to make it rich and flavorful.

side dish in a plate in a bamboo steamer

How to serve and store

Serve while still warm as a side dish or with a cup of steamed rice.
You can use chopsticks or pick it up by the wrist with your fingers.
To eat, start with the fingers and work your way up to the wrist nibbling the skin and cartilage but be careful not to swallow the tiny bones.
To store any left overs, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place in a microwave or heat in a pan over low heat until fully heated.

Tips for an amiable experience

The best way to enjoy chicken feet is savoring dim sum dish. The combination of flavors and textures offers a delightful experience.

Serve while still warm on its own, as a side dish or with a cup of steamed rice.
The best way to enjoy chicken feet is savoring dim sum dish. The combination of flavors and textures offers a delightful experience.
Pat Dry: Make sure to dry the claws well before frying to avoid oil splatter.
Fry the in batches to avoid over-crowding and for even cooking.
Lessen Cooking Time: You can use a pressure cooker to cut down the cooking time.
Use Chopsticks: Embrace the tradition by using chopsticks to pick up a piece of chicken foot. This allows you to savor each morsel and enjoy the intricate flavors.
Nibble Carefully: Gently nibble around the cartilage and skin to extract the succulent meat. The tender texture and rich flavors are worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken feet dim sum, often referred to as “Phoenix Claws,” are a popular Cantonese dish that’s commonly served in traditional dim sum restaurants. They are chicken claws that have been cleaned, marinated, and steamed to create a flavorful and tender delicacy.

Yes, it’s are safe to eat when properly cleaned and cooked. The cooking process, including blanching and steaming, ensures that any bacteria or impurities are eliminated.

The dim sum dish have a unique combination of flavors. The marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger, resulting in a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich taste.

To prepare fresh chicken feet, start by cleaning them thoroughly, removing feathers and peeling the outer layer of skin. Trim the nails and parboil the feet in boiling water. Then, marinate and steam them as per the recipe.

Absolutely! With the right ingredients and proper instructions, you can make delicious chicken feet dim sum at home and enjoy an authentic dim sum experience.

The marinade for dim sum chicken feet often includes soy sauce, which may contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or adjust the marinade ingredients to make the dish gluten-free.

Yes, you can freeze dim sum chicken feet after they have been cleaned and marinated. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored for a few weeks. Thaw and steam before serving.

Dim sum chicken feet are a source of protein and collagen. Collagen is known for its potential skin and joint health benefits. Additionally, they contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.