Lemon Chicken Feet

In China, lemon chicken feet are a particularly popular snack. They have a sour, spicy, and sweet taste, with delicious meat. I know some people enjoy chicken feet while others do not, but this lemon chicken feet recipe is sure to change your mind. Join me in learning how to make this dish!

In the kitchen, we Chinese use the whole chicken. Apart from feathers and bones, we can cook a chicken from head to toe, from skin to innards, and serve it on the table. Today's lemon chicken feet, very popular in China, are loved by both young and old, much like Buffalo-style chicken wings. To make delicious lemon chicken feet, there are several key points you need to know:

1. What is Lemon Chicken Feet?

Lemon chicken feet are a home-cooked dish made primarily from chicken feet and lemon, complemented by ingredients such as small chili peppers, carrots, white vinegar, soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon. Lemon chicken feet are widely appreciated for their unique sour and spicy taste and the chewy texture of the chicken feet.

Lemon chicken feet are not only a delicious dish on the dining table but also rich in nutritional value. For instance, the collagen protein in chicken feet is beneficial for maintaining skin elasticity and gloss, while lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and metabolism.

2. How long should the chicken feet be cooked?

To make lemon chicken feet, it's recommended to cook the chicken feet until they are tender. Typically, it's suggested to boil them for about 12-15 minutes, at which point the chicken feet will have the perfect texture. However, if you prefer a chewier texture, you can boil them for 8-10 minutes. Remember not to overcook the chicken feet, as it can damage the skin and shape.

3. How to remove the smell from chicken feet?

Many people dislike eating chicken feet because they perceive a fishy smell, but if handled properly, chicken feet can be free of any unpleasant odor.

To remove the smell from chicken feet, you can add some ginger slices, green onion segments, and cooking wine while boiling them. After boiling, remove any foam that rises to the surface. These ingredients effectively eliminate the fishy smell from the chicken feet. In China, this step is commonly referred to as "blanching."

4. Why soak the cooked chicken feet in cold water?

After boiling the chicken feet, they are immediately removed and soaked in cold water primarily to maintain their texture and color. Plunging the blanched chicken feet into cold water causes the meat to contract, resulting in a tender and chewy texture. Additionally, cooling the chicken feet in cold water reduces their temperature, making them ready to eat immediately and avoiding the adverse effects of high temperatures on the oral cavity.

Now that you're familiar with these techniques for making lemon chicken feet, I believe you have a better understanding of them. Let's get started and try making delicious lemon chicken feet together!