Chicken feet may sound like an unusual ingredient to many, but they are a beloved delicacy in many cultures worldwide. From Chinese dim sum to African stews, chicken feet are known for their unique flavor and texture that have been enjoyed for centuries. But if you’re new to cooking with chicken feet, you may be wondering how to fry them to perfection.
In this article, we will explore different methods of frying chicken feet, from the traditional Asian-style to the Southern American-style, and share tips and tricks to make sure your chicken feet are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. Whether you’re looking to try something new in the kitchen or want to impress your guests, this guide will help you fry chicken feet like a pro.
Cleaning and Preparing Chicken Feet for Frying
Cleaning and preparing chicken feet for frying is an essential step that you have to undertake before cooking them. Begin by removing the nails from the feet using a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen scissors. Then, wash the feet thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. If you like, you can also soak them in salted water for 20-30 minutes to remove any unpleasant odors.
Once you’re done cleaning the chicken feet, it’s time to prepare them for frying. You can either blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften the skin or marinate them with your preferred spices and seasoning for at least an hour. Marinating the chicken feet allows the flavors to seep into the meat, making it more delicious and flavorful. By following these important steps, you can ensure that your fried chicken feet turn out crispy, flavorful and irresistible!
The Best Breading Mix for Cripsy Chicken Feet
When it comes to frying chicken feet, having the right breading mix is essential for achieving that crispy texture that everyone loves. There are a few key ingredients that can make all the difference when it comes to breading your chicken feet.
Firstly, using a combination of flour and cornstarch can help create a light and crispy coating. You can also add in spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to add some extra flavor. Some people also like to add breadcrumbs or panko to their breading mix for an even crunchier texture. Ultimately, the best breading mix for crispy chicken feet is all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients until you find what works best for you.
Selecting the Perfect Oil for Frying Chicken Feet
Choosing the right oil for frying chicken feet is crucial in getting a perfectly crispy and golden finish. You want to select an oil with a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking. Peanut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are excellent options for frying chicken feet.
Peanut oil is a popular choice because it has a smoking point of 450°F, making it perfect for deep-frying. Canola oil is another great option with a smoking point of 400°F. Vegetable oil, which is a blend of different oils, has a smoking point of 400°F to 450°F and is widely available. Avoid using olive oil, butter, or other oils with low smoking points as they will burn quickly and leave a bitter taste. With the right oil, your chicken feet will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Tips and Tricks for Achieving Perfectly Fried Chicken Feet
Frying chicken feet can be a daunting task, but with the help of a few tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly fried chicken feet. Firstly, it is important to clean the chicken feet thoroughly to remove all the dirt and grime. You can soak them in cold water with a bit of vinegar for about 30 minutes to help with the cleaning process. After cleaning, rinse the chicken feet and pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
Next, it is crucial to fry the chicken feet at the right temperature – too hot and they will burn, too cold and they won’t cook through. The ideal temperature is about 350°F. To give the chicken feet a crispy texture, coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying. Fry them in oil for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer them onto a paper towel to drain any excess oil before serving. With these tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly fried chicken feet that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Creative Flavour Enhancers for Chicken Feet
When it comes to frying chicken feet, there are various ways to add unique flavours to them. One popular method is marinating the feet with different types of sauces and spices. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and vinegar are some of the most commonly used sauces for marinating chicken feet. Aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and star anise can also be added to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Another creative flavour enhancer for chicken feet is using a dry rub. The dry rub can include a variety of spices, herbs, and salts. Some popular dry rub combinations for chicken feet include paprika, cumin, thyme, and sea salt. The dry rub can be applied to the feet before frying, which infuses the flavours into the skin and meat. Experimenting with different marinades and dry rubs can give you an exciting and delicious range of flavours for your fried chicken feet.
Popular Dipping Sauces to Accompany Fried Chicken Feet
Popular Dipping Sauces to Accompany Fried Chicken Feet
When it comes to enjoying fried chicken feet, dipping sauces are a must-have to complement the unique flavor of this dish. There are a variety of sauces you can use to add some extra flavor to your chicken feet. Here are some of the popular dipping sauces that pair well with fried chicken feet:
1. Soy sauce and vinegar: This is a common dipping sauce for many Filipino dishes, including fried chicken feet. Simply mix soy sauce and vinegar to taste and serve alongside your fried chicken feet.
2. Hot sauce: Some people like to add a little heat to their chicken feet with hot sauce, such as sriracha or Tabasco. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can overwhelm the flavor of the chicken feet.
3. Fish sauce: This savory and slightly sweet dipping sauce is perfect for enhancing the flavor of the chicken feet. Mix it with a bit of sugar and lime juice to create a delicious sauce.
4. Sweet chili sauce: If you prefer a sweeter dipping sauce, try sweet chili sauce. The sweet and tangy flavor of the sauce pairs well with the savory flavor of the chicken feet, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Overcoming Common Mistakes While Frying Chicken Feet
Frying chicken feet can be tricky and there are some common mistakes people make while doing so. One of the most common mistakes is not cleaning the feet properly before frying. Chicken feet have a significant amount of dirt and bacteria on them and it is important to properly clean them before frying. Make sure to scrub the feet thoroughly with a brush to remove all the dirt and bacteria.
Another common mistake is not drying the chicken feet properly before frying. Excess moisture on the chicken feet can cause the oil to splatter and can also affect the crispiness of the feet. Pat the chicken feet dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before frying. Additionally, ensure the oil is hot enough before placing the chicken feet in it. This will ensure that the chicken feet cook thoroughly and are crispy. With these tips, you will be able to overcome common mistakes while frying chicken feet and make them perfectly crispy and delicious.
The Bottom Line
Frying chicken feet might not be the most appealing concept for everyone, but for those who have tried it, it’s a delightfully crispy and flavorful snack. Despite the cultural stigma attached to eating unconventional parts of an animal, the world is slowly embracing the idea of nose-to-tail eating. If you want to experience this delicacy for yourself, simply follow the steps above and enjoy the crunchy goodness of fried chicken feet.
In conclusion, frying chicken feet can be a fun and adventurous culinary experience. It requires minimal effort and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as part of a larger meal. So, why not give it a try and expand your taste buds to new horizons? Who knows, you might just end up loving it.