1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Clean the 500 grams of chicken feet thoroughly under cold water, trimming off any nails with kitchen shears for the best texture. This step sets the foundation, removing impurities and preparing the feet for cooking, just as the chef has done for decades.

2-Second Step: Blanching the Chicken Feet Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the chicken feet. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes to clean and soften the skin. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, which helps achieve that tender, gelatinous result traditional in Cantonese dishes.

3-Third Step: Frying for Crispiness Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the blanched chicken feet and fry until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds crunch and seals in flavors, making the feet more appealing and authentic to dim sum style.

4-Fourth Step: Preparing the Braising Sauce In a separate pot, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons black bean sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 20 grams sliced ginger, 1 star anise, 2 dried chilies, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, and 250 ml water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors fully.

5-Fifth Step: Braising the Chicken Feet Add the fried chicken feet to the pot with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, checking tenderness after 1.5 hours by piercing with a fork. This slow cooking allows maximum flavor absorption, turning the feet soft and infused with that signature Cantonese taste. For a related tip, check out our guide to other Cantonese recipes on the blog.

6-Final Step: Finishing and Serving Once tender, remove the chicken feet from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot as part of a dim sum spread, perhaps with steamed rice or tea. This totals about 2 hours of preparation, with most time hands-off, making it perfect for family meals that honor cultural traditions.