Pickled Chicken Feet Recipe

Pickled chicken feet might not be the first delicacy that comes to mind, but this traditional dish has grown in popularity, particularly in Asian and Southern cuisines.

With its unique texture and flavorful brine, pickled chicken feet can be an adventurous yet delightful snack for those willing to try something different.

To start your journey in exploring this unconventional dish, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients, such as chicken feet, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.

The preparation process involves cleaning and blanching the chicken feet, preparing the pickling brine, and letting your masterpiece marinate for the perfect taste infusion.

With a little patience, you’ll soon be relishing the unique taste of this exotic, tangy treat in the comfort of your own home.

How to Make Pickled Chicken Feet

Ingredients List

To make pickled chicken feet, you will need the following ingredients:

• 10-12 chicken feet
• 1 cup white vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• Cold water
• 3-4 star anise
• 6 slices of ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 green onions
• 4 chili peppers (optional for spicy flavor)

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Blanch the chicken feet

First, rinse the chicken feet thoroughly, making sure they are clean.

Then, proceed to cut the feet into halves, separating them at the joint to create bite-sized pieces.

This step is essential for allowing flavors to be absorbed efficiently during pickling.

Step 2: Blanch the chicken feet

Fill a pot with cold water, and bring it to a boil.

Add the chicken feet and a few slices of ginger and green onions.

This helps remove the raw taste from the chicken feet.

Allow the chicken feet to blanch for 10 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 3: Prepare the pickling solution

In a separate container, mix the white vinegar, white sugar, and garlic cloves.

Gently heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Let the solution cool to room temperature.

If you prefer a spicy flavor, add chili peppers to this step.

Step 4: Combine and marinate

Combine both in a clean container once the chicken feet have been blanched and the pickling solution has cooled.

Ensure that the chicken feet are fully submerged in the pickling solution.

Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours.

The longer they marinate, the more the chicken feet will develop the chewy taste and texture associated with this dish.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

After marinating, your pickled chicken feet are now ready to be served!

You can enjoy them as a unique appetizer or pair them with other dishes like dim sum chicken feet or spicy duck necks.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Side Dishes for Pickled Chicken Feet

Pickled chicken feet make an interesting and flavorful appetizer or snack that goes well with a variety of side dishes.

To create the perfect culinary experience, combine pickled chicken feet with a few of these popular side dishes that highlight contrasting flavors and textures.

Cold Noodle Salad

This refreshing dish pairs well with pickled chicken feet’s tangy and savory taste.

Cold noodle salad consists of noodles, fresh vegetables, and herbs tossed with a light dressing.

The chilled noodles and crunchy vegetables create a pleasant contrast to the slightly chewy and tender chicken feet.

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is another light, fresh, cold dish option that complements your favorite pickled chicken feet.

It features thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, tangy vinegar, sugar, and spices dressing.

This salad offers a pleasant crunch and refreshing flavor that will balance the bold flavors of the pickled chicken feet.

Sesame Spinach

Sesame spinach is a healthy and simple side dish choice made with quickly blanched spinach tossed in a sesame oil and soy sauce dressing.

The dish brings a bright and delicate taste to your meal, making it an excellent match for the strong taste of pickled chicken feet.

Spiced Edamame

For a snack with flavor and protein punch, serve spiced edamame alongside your pickled chicken feet.

Boiled or steamed soybeans are mixed with spices and seasoning, creating a delicious and somewhat addictive bite-sized treat.

It’s a popular bar snack in Asia and pairs well with the bold flavor profile of pickled chicken feet.

Remember to keep the side dishes light, fresh, and crunchy to balance the pickled chicken feet perfectly.

These sides will enhance your overall culinary experience and keep you coming back for more of your favorite snacks.

Ingredients Substitutes

Chicken Feet

If you’re not a fan of the taste of chicken feet, you can use chicken wings with a similar texture but milder flavor.

Make sure to remove the tips and divide the wings into individual sections before pickling.

Salt and White Sugar

For those who need to watch their sodium intake, you can opt for a lower-sodium alternative like potassium chloride or reduce the amount of salt you use in the recipe.

Likewise, if you’re out of white sugar, you can substitute it with brown sugar or honey.

Slices Ginger

You can use ground ginger if you don’t have fresh ginger on hand or prefer a milder flavor.

However, remember that ground ginger is more potent, so use only about half the amount specified for fresh ginger.

Large Chicken Feet

If you don’t have access to large chicken feet, you can use smaller ones, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The smaller feet will cook faster and may require less pickling time.

Remember, these substitutes should be tailored to your preferences and dietary restrictions while still providing the desired flavors and textures in your pickled chicken feet recipe.

Enjoy experimenting and creating your own unique pickled delicacy!

How to Store Pickled Chicken Feet

Storing pickled chicken feet properly is essential to maintain their taste and texture.

Here are some effective methods to store your pickled chicken feet.

Refrigerate in a Proper Container

After pickling, place the chicken feet in a glass or stainless steel container, as these materials are non-reactive with vinegar, unlike aluminum or copper pots.

Avoid using plastic wrap directly on the chicken feet, as it can affect the flavor.

Make sure the container is well sealed before placing it in the refrigerator.

The pickled chicken feet can last several weeks when stored properly in the fridge.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you want to store pickled chicken feet for an extended period, you can freeze them.

First, blanch the chicken feet in a pot of hot water with ginger slices to remove any raw taste.

Then, transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process and make the skin crispy instead of tough.

Prepare the chicken feet in a dim sum style, and once they have cooled down, put them into airtight freezer bags or containers.

Label and date the bags before placing them in the freezer.

Frozen pickled chicken feet can last for several months, but it’s essential to thaw them correctly before consuming them.

Jar Storage for Aesthetic Appeal

Although not mandatory for pickled chicken feet storage, using jars can add a touch of classic presentation.

Select glass jars with airtight seals and fill them with the prepared pickled chicken feet, ensuring each piece is submerged in the pickling liquid.

Tightly close the lid and store the jars in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard.

Remember to check the jars periodically for any signs of spoilage.

Using one of these storage methods, you can ensure that your pickled chicken feet remain fresh and delicious for a considerable period.

Just follow the proper storage technique that best suits your needs and preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Pickled Chicken Feet.

Not Cleaning the Chicken Feet Properly

Before starting the pickling process, make sure to clean the chicken feet thoroughly.

Rinse them with cold water and remove any yellow spots.

Don’t forget to clip off the nails using sharp scissors or a knife.

If you overlook this step, your pickled chicken feet may not taste fresh and may even have an unpleasant appearance or aroma.

Skipping the Blanching Step

Blanching the chicken feet prior to pickling is essential.

Add the chicken feet to a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Boil them for around 10 minutes before draining the water.

Blanching removes impurities and helps tenderize the chicken feet, ensuring a better texture in the final product.

Using an Inadequate Pickling Solution

The pickling solution should be a harmonious blend of acidity, saltiness, and seasonings.

When preparing your pickling solution, ensure that it has the right proportions of vinegar, water, and salt.

Additionally, seasonings like garlic, ginger, and spices should enhance the flavor of your pickled chicken feet.

If you don’t get the pickling solution right, you could end up with bland or overpowering chicken feet.

Not Pickling for Enough Time

To achieve the perfect texture and taste, pickled chicken feet need sufficient time to marinate in the pickling solution.

The recommended duration for pickling chicken feet is 48 hours at a minimum.

Insufficient pickling time may lead to underdeveloped flavor and poor texture.

Be patient and allow your chicken feet ample time to soak up the delicious pickling solution.