This chicken feet dish is a very simple recipe and I think this is just an upgraded version of chicken feet adobo. The recipe is the usual soy sauce, garlic and vinegar mixed with the chicken. And in this case we use chicken feet instead. The twist of this chicken feet adobo is the addition of root beer. Just like the coca cola chicken, you can use coke instead of root beer in cooking this dish just in case you don’t like to use root beer.
A Unique Twist on a Classic Dish
Chicken feet with root beer is an innovative take on the traditional chicken feet adobo, elevating the classic dish with a surprising twist. This recipe blends the familiar flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar with the unexpected sweetness of root beer, creating a rich and savory meal that is both comforting and delicious. Ideal for adventurous eaters and fans of fusion cuisine, this dish promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
The Origins of Chicken Feet Adobo
Chicken feet adobo is a beloved dish in many Filipino households, known for its savory and tangy flavor profile. Adobo, which means “marinade” or “sauce” in Spanish, is a method of cooking that involves marinating meat in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, then simmering it until tender. This technique was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish colonizers and has since been adapted to include a variety of ingredients, including chicken feet. While it may seem unconventional to some, chicken feet are a delicacy in many cultures, prized for their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Preparing Chicken Feet: An Essential Step
The first step in preparing the dish is to thoroughly clean the chicken feet. This involves removing the nails and any remaining skin, then washing them thoroughly under running water. Proper cleaning is crucial to ensure the chicken feet are free of impurities and ready to absorb the flavors of the marinade. Once cleaned, the chicken feet are seasoned with salt and pepper and lightly fried until they turn a golden brown. This initial frying helps to lock in the flavors and gives it a delightful texture.
Sautéing Aromatics for a Flavorful Base
The next step involves sautéing garlic and onion in a pan with a small amount of oil. The aromatic combination of garlic and onion forms the flavor base of the dish, releasing a fragrant aroma that sets the stage for the other ingredients. Adding black beans (tausi) and bay leaves to the pan enhances the depth of flavor, providing a slightly salty and herbal note that complements the savory elements of the dish.
Building the Braising Liquid
Once the aromatics are sautéed, it’s time to build the braising liquid. The chicken feet are added back to the pan along with vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and a touch of hot sauce. These ingredients create a complex and flavorful sauce that will penetrate the chicken feet as they simmer. The addition of root beer is the defining twist of this recipe. Root beer, with its sweet and slightly spicy profile, adds a unique depth of flavor that balances the savory and tangy elements of the traditional adobo sauce.
The Slow Simmer: Achieving Tender Perfection
After adding the braising liquid, the dish is brought to a boil and then covered and simmered for 45 minutes. This slow cooking process is essential for achieving the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes braised chicken feet so irresistible. The chicken feet slowly absorb the flavors of the sauce, becoming infused with the rich, savory, and slightly sweet notes of the braising liquid. As the sauce reduces and thickens, it coats the chicken feet, creating a glossy and flavorful finish.
Serving and Enjoying Braised Chicken Feet
Once the chicken feet are tender and the sauce has thickened, the dish is ready to be served. The dish is best enjoyed hot, allowing the full spectrum of flavors to shine. This dish can be served on its own as a flavorful appetizer or paired with steamed rice for a more substantial meal. The tender chicken feet, with their rich and savory sauce, provide a unique and satisfying dining experience.
Food for Thought: The Cultural Significance of Chicken Feet
Chicken feet are more than just an ingredient in a recipe; they hold cultural significance in many parts of the world. In Chinese cuisine, for example, chicken feet are often served as a dim sum dish, where they are braised in a savory sauce and enjoyed for their gelatinous texture. In the Philippines, chicken feet adobo is a testament to the resourcefulness of Filipino cooks, who use every part of the chicken to create flavorful and nutritious dishes. By incorporating root beer into this traditional recipe, we not only create a delicious fusion dish but also pay homage to the culinary traditions that have made chicken feet a beloved ingredient around the world.
Braised chicken feet with root beer is a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors. This dish showcases the versatility of chicken feet and the creativity of Filipino cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons. Whether you’re a fan of adobo or simply curious about trying something new, this recipe offers a unique and flavorful dining experience that is sure to impress.
Braised Chicken Feet with Root Beer
Ingredients
- 1 kilo chicken feet nails and skin removed
- 1 cup root beer
- 1/2 cup salted black beans optional
- 1 pc bay leaf
- 1 inch sliced ginger
- 1 pc onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1/8 cup vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. oyster sauce
- cooking oil for frying and sauteing
Instructions
How To Cook Braised Chicken with Root Beer
- Remove the nails of the chicken feet by cutting it off. Remove remaining skin and wash thoroughly in running water and drain.
- Put in a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. Fry in hot oil lightly until slightly brown.
- When done, remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, remove excess oil until about 2 tablespoon remain. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the black beans (tausi) and bay leaves then stir for a few seconds.
- Add the chicken feet, vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger and hot sauce. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Toss the chicken feet to coat it with the sauce.
- Add the root beer and water then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken feet are tender.
- Continue cooking until sauce is reduced and thick. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Proper Cleaning of Chicken Feet
Ensure you thoroughly clean the chicken feet by removing the nails and any remaining skin. This step is crucial for both hygiene and to enhance the absorption of the marinade flavors. Wash them under running water and pat dry before seasoning and frying.Balancing Flavors in the Sauce
When adding the root beer, taste the sauce to ensure it balances the sweetness with the savory elements of soy sauce and vinegar. If it’s too sweet, you can add a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to adjust the flavor. Remember, the sauce will reduce and intensify, so aim for a balanced taste during the simmering process.Achieving Perfect Tenderness
Simmer the chicken feet slowly for at least 45 minutes to ensure they become tender and flavorful. The low and slow cooking process allows the feet to absorb the sauce fully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a bit more water to maintain the moisture.
