Spicy Braised Chicken Feet Recipe
The Ultimate Spicy Braised Chicken Feet for a Perfect Snack!
The tantalizingly spicy flavor of braised chicken feet keeps you coming back for more, making it a quintessential snack or ‘anju’ (Korean drinking food). Rich in collagen, it’s not only delicious but also beneficial for your skin. It’s surprisingly easy to make, so today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for homemade spicy braised chicken feet. It’s perfect for family gatherings or as a special treat with friends.
Main Ingredients- 1kg prepared chicken feet
- 1/2 bottle soju (for removing gamey smell)
Spicy Braising Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 large stalk green onion, roughly chopped
- 5 Cheongyang chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract) (for sweetness and depth)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 large stalk green onion, roughly chopped
- 5 Cheongyang chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract) (for sweetness and depth)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to thoroughly remove any gamey smell and impurities, soak the chicken feet in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Changing the water once or twice during this period will further enhance the results.
Step 2
The secret to delicious braised chicken feet is the sauce! In a bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, maesilcheong, sugar, cooking wine, minced ginger, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Letting this sauce rest in the refrigerator for a while allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer taste. (If you’re short on time, you can use it immediately.)
Step 3
Place the drained chicken feet in a pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken feet completely. Pour in the 1/2 bottle of soju. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 5 minutes. The soju effectively helps to neutralize any unpleasant odors.
Step 4
After boiling for 5 minutes, drain the chicken feet using a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This step is crucial for removing any surface impurities and remaining off-flavors.
Step 5
Pat the cleaned chicken feet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Any remaining water can prevent the sauce from adhering properly. Once dry, add the prepared and rested sauce generously to the chicken feet and mix well, coating each piece. For the best flavor, let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. (If time is a constraint, you can skip this marination step.)
Step 6
Transfer the marinated chicken feet to a wide pot or pan. Add enough water to almost cover the chicken feet. (Adjust the amount of water based on the quantity of chicken feet and sauce.)
Step 7
Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes to let the chicken feet cook through. It’s best to bring it to a boil over high heat initially, then reduce to medium heat once boiling.
Step 8
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer until the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze. Avoid reducing it too much, as you want to retain some moistness and the chewy texture of the chicken feet. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Step 9
Finally, garnish with chopped green onions or sliced Cheongyang peppers if desired, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious spicy braised chicken feet are ready! Enjoy the delightful chewy texture, the perfect balance of spicy and sweet sauce, and the abundance of collagen! It’s a fantastic snack or side dish that you can easily make at home.
