Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce from Tim Ho Wan features tender, slow-cooked chicken feet soaked in a savory, rich abalone-infused sauce, garnished with delicate herbs and served with a glossy, flavorful glaze that enhances its succulent texture.
Equipments
- Stock pot
- Saucepan
- Steamer
- Mixing bowls
- Fine mesh strainer
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Serving plate/bowl
- Heatproof gloves
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken feet
- 1 small piece ginger
- 2 scallions
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons abalone sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4-5 dried red chilies (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Water
Chicken feet should be thoroughly cleaned by trimming nails and removing outer skin to ensure a tender texture after cooking. Using authentic abalone sauce is crucial to replicate the rich umami flavor characteristic of Tim Ho Wan's dish. Shaoxing wine adds a subtle depth, so choosing a good quality version enhances the overall taste. Soy sauce varieties, including light, dark, and oyster sauce, must be balanced carefully to achieve the savory, slightly sweet glaze. Your copycat Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce from Tim Ho Wan will taste best when all these ingredients are used in proper proportions and cooked slowly to develop their full flavors.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and trim chicken feet; remove nails and any calluses.
- Blanch chicken feet in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a stock pot, add blanched chicken feet, ginger slices, and scallions; cover with water.
- Add Shaoxing wine; bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 45–60 minutes, until feet are very tender.
- Remove chicken feet with slotted spoon; reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid.
- In a saucepan, heat sesame oil; sauté dried chilies (if using), ginger, and scallions until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, abalone sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and salt; mix well.
- Add reserved cooking liquid; bring sauce to a simmer.
- Add chicken feet to sauce; stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to infuse.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl; stir into simmering sauce to thicken.
- Simmer until sauce is glossy and coats chicken feet well.
- Transfer chicken feet to serving plate or bowl.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce from Tim Ho Wan copycat menu achieves a tender texture by slow-cooking chicken feet in a rich abalone-infused sauce enhanced with aromatic ginger and scallions. If abalone sauce is unavailable, oyster sauce mixed with a small amount of fish sauce can provide a similar umami flavor. When fresh chicken feet are hard to find, frozen options work well after thorough thawing and cleaning. Using a steamer preserves moisture while a stock pot allows better control over simmering the braise. You can adjust the level of heat by omitting dried red chilies or substituting with fresh chili slices for a more vibrant spice profile.
Tips
Ensure you thoroughly trim chicken feet by removing nails and any calluses for a cleaner texture. Blanching the feet in boiling water for 3-5 minutes helps remove impurities and aids in achieving tenderness during the slow simmer. When making the sauce, use a fine mesh strainer to catch ginger and scallion pieces if you prefer a smooth glaze on your chicken feet. Your reserved cooking liquid is essential for balancing flavors and should not be discarded, as it helps create the rich, savory abalone-infused sauce.
Nutritions
Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce is rich in collagen, which supports joint health and skin elasticity, making it a nutrient-dense choice for your diet. The abalone sauce adds a boost of minerals like iron and zinc, essential for immune function and energy metabolism. Chicken feet also provide protein and small amounts of healthy fats, contributing to muscle maintenance and overall energy. You can enjoy this dish as a flavorful source of both macro and micronutrients, especially beneficial for those seeking nutrient variety.
Storage
Store your Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavor and tender texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring it is cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 1 month, thawing in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute shiitake mushrooms for chicken feet to create a vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining a similar texture and absorbing the rich abalone sauce flavor. You can also infuse the broth with star anise or cinnamon sticks to add aromatic warmth, enhancing the depth of the sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of dried red chilies or swap for fresh bird's eye chilies to elevate heat intensity. To achieve a more tender texture, extend the simmering time or pressure cook the chicken feet before braising in the abalone sauce.
Allergies
Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce contains common allergens such as soy sauce and oyster sauce, which include soy and shellfish derivatives that may trigger allergic reactions. Sesame oil and abalone sauce are other potential allergens, especially for individuals sensitive to seafood or sesame seeds. If you have allergies to these ingredients, it is essential to check labels carefully or consult your healthcare provider before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Braised Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce from Tim Ho Wan offers tender, flavorful chicken feet infused with a rich, savory abalone sauce that delivers a unique umami experience. The dish combines traditional Cantonese cooking techniques with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and taste. You can recreate this delicacy at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality dim sum experience without the wait. Its complex flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout choice for adventurous food lovers and dim sum enthusiasts alike.