Dim Sum Style Braised Chicken Feet Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Alright folks, let’s dive into the world of comfort food with a twist as I introduce you to the unexpectedly delightful realm of chicken feet in a savory black bean sauce. Whether you’re hosting a daring dinner party or just vibing with some adventurous culinary self-care, this dish is bound to impress—even your inner foodie!

I love making dim sum and bringing its rich flavors home. My Dim Sum Braised Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce is a dish so unique that I don’t know anyone else who makes it.

The combination of ginger, garlic, and fermented black beans (so good in so many dishes) with a touch of soy and oyster sauce creates a flavor that make these tender chicken feet taste positively exquisite. They are so loaded with protein and collagen (which has to be a healthy combo) that I can’t not call this a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Dim Sum Style Braised Chicken Feet Black Bean Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Feet: Rich in collagen, they provide gelatinous texture, supporting joint health.
• Fermented Black Beans: Provide umami depth; high in antioxidants and nutrients.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances flavor with saltiness and umami; contains sodium.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds sweet, savory notes; enriches taste complexity.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet, spicy, and tangy; balances flavors and provides thickness.
• Ginger: Aids digestion; adds warmth and subtle spiciness.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer; known for health benefits and antioxidants.

Dim Sum Style Braised Chicken Feet Black Bean Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 600g chicken feet, cleaned and nails trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 4 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 cups chicken stock or water
• 2 star anise
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Dim Sum Style Braised Chicken Feet Black Bean Sauce Recipe

1. In a big pot of water, boil the chicken feet for approximately 5 minutes. Then drain and rinse the feet using cold water to wash away any impurities.

2. In a large frying pan or wok, over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Then, add the garlic and ginger and sauté them until they give off a savory aroma.

3. Incorporate the fermented black beans, stir-frying for a brief moment to combine all flavors.

4. Add the chicken feet to the pan, and mix with the garlic, ginger, and black beans.

5. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese rice wine, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken feet evenly.

6. Put the chicken feet in a pot and cover them with chicken stock or water. Add the star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

7. Cook the chicken feet in water for
1.5 to 2 hours, until they reach the texture of a tender chicken breast. The time will vary slightly depending on the size and age of the bird. Don’t let the water level get too low; I usually add some water midway through so the cooking continues uninterrupted.

8. After they have softened, take out the star anise, and correct the seasoning if necessary.

9. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce to thicken it. Cook for 3-5 more minutes until the sauce is thickened to your liking.

10. Move to a dish intended for serving, adorn with snipped green onions and red chilies sliced in a manner that ensures maximum visibility, and be sure to serve at the hottest temperature that won’t cause burns.

Dim Sum Style Braised Chicken Feet Black Bean Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large frying pan or wok
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
10. Ladle (optional, for serving)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned black beans instead of fermented ones?A: No, this recipe needs the unique taste of fermented black beans. You cannot substitute canned black beans in this recipe and expect to achieve the same flavor.
• Q: How do I ensure the chicken feet become tender?A: Achieving tender chicken feet necessitates an entirely different cooking process than the one used for chicken wings. To tenderize the feet, they must be simmered (not boiled) in a flavorful sauce over low heat for about 45 to 60 minutes. The sauce must be thin and plentiful to ensure even cooking. A nice balance of good flavor and moisture is key.
• Q: Can I substitute the Shaoxing wine with something else?A: Yes, one can use dry sherry as a substitute for Shaoxing wine, if it’s not available.
• Q: Is it necessary to use chicken stock?A: You can use water instead of chicken stock, but it won’t be as flavorful.
• Q: How do I thicken the sauce properly?A: Toward the end of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, and it will thicken the sauce beautifully.
• Q: Can I make this dish in advance?A: Yes, you can make braised chicken feet a day ahead. The flavor develops and intensifies, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Q: What should I serve with this dish?B: Braised Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce, served dim sum style, can form part of a dim sum spread, but you can also enjoy them with big bowls of steamed rice or winding, slippery noodles.

Dim Sum Style Braised Chicken Feet Black Bean Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with any neutral oil, like canola oil or sunflower oil.
Substitute for Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine): Use dry sherry or sake.
Substitutes for fermented black beans:
Black bean sauce: Use about 2 tablespoons, as it is more concentrated.
Black bean paste: Use in the same amount as you would use fermented black beans.
Hoisin sauce: Replace it with a blend of plum sauce and soy sauce.
Chicken stock: You can use vegetable stock or water, but the depth of flavor may be affected.

Pro Tips

1. Braising for Tenderness After the initial boiling and before adding the sauces, consider lightly frying the chicken feet alone for a few minutes in the oil. This will help improve the texture and deepen the flavor before braising.

2. Enhance Flavor with Toasting Toast the star anise in a dry pan for a minute before adding to the pot. This can release more of their aromatic oils and intensify their flavor in the dish.

3. Marinate for Deep Flavor Before cooking, marinate the chicken feet for 30 minutes in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese rice wine mixture. This allows the flavors to penetrate and develop more deeply.

4. Adjusting Texture If you prefer the skin to be more gelatinous, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the cooking liquid. This helps break down the collagen, resulting in a more silky and tender texture.

5. Balancing the Flavors Taste and adjust the seasoning after the chicken feet have cooked and before adding the cornstarch slurry. If it’s too salty, add a bit more sugar or a splash of rice wine. If it needs more depth, a dash of soy sauce or oyster sauce can help.