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.
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.
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.
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 in this step.
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.
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.