Dim Sum Phoenix Claws: Crispy Chicken Feet in Savory Sauce

Dim Sum Style Phoenix Claws (Ceker Ayam) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken feet (ceker ayam), cleaned, skin scraped, and nails trimmed
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced
• 2 star anise (bunga lawang)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark fermented bean paste (tauco) plus 1 tablespoon of its liquid, mashed with a fork
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• Mushroom seasoning powder (toto le), to taste
• Red or bird’s eye chilies, to taste
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Water, for boiling
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Feet:

   • After cleaning the chicken feet, pat them dry with a cloth to reduce oil splatter during frying. Heat enough oil in a pan to cover the feet and fry them until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Be cautious as the oil may splatter; it’s advisable to cover the pan and use plenty of oil. Once done, set aside.

2. Prepare the Pressure Cooker:

   • In a pressure cooker, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced ginger until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the fried chicken feet and star anise to the pressure cooker. Stir briefly to mix.

4. Season the Dish:

   • Pour in the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and palm sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Add the dark fermented bean paste and its liquid, mixing thoroughly.

5. Add Water and Cook:

   • Add enough water to the pressure cooker to cover the chicken feet. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, close the pressure cooker and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 15 minutes under medium heat.

6. Check and Adjust:

   • After cooking, turn off the heat and check the seasoning. If the flavors are to your liking, separate the chicken feet from the broth.

7. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Transfer the broth to a separate pan or skillet. Add sliced chilies to the broth according to your spice preference. Simmer gently over low heat, being careful not to reduce the liquid too much.

8. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Continue stirring until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

9. Finish and Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and stir in sliced green onions. You can reserve some green onions for garnish if desired.

10. Combine and Garnish:

    • Return the chicken feet to the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Dim Sum Style Phoenix Claws, a delightful and savory dish perfect for sharing with family and friends!