Spicy Braised Chicken Feet (Dakbal)
Homemade Spicy Chicken Feet: A Foolproof Recipe
Craving that irresistible spicy kick? With the current situation making dining out a challenge, I’ve recreated this popular Korean dish, spicy chicken feet (dakbal), right at home! It’s the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of soju. Enjoy the chewy texture and fiery, sweet sauce that makes this dish so addictive.
Main Ingredients- 1kg Chicken Feet
- 1 Onion
- 7 Cheongyang Peppers (Korean chili peppers)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Clean the Chicken Feet: Rinse the chicken feet thoroughly under running water. To effectively remove any gamey odor, place about 1 cup of flour in a bowl with the chicken feet and gently massage them together. This helps to clean them more thoroughly.
Step 2
Prepare the Vegetables: Trim the stems off the Cheongyang peppers and finely mince them for a spicy kick. Peel the onion, cut it into manageable pieces, and blend it into a smooth puree using a blender. The onion puree will add sweetness and a rich depth to the sauce.
Step 3
Make the Flavorful Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 4 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp maesil extract, and 1 Tbsp chicken stock. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This is the magic blend that will bring your chicken feet to life!
Step 4
Blanch the Chicken Feet (Odor Removal): Fill a pot with water and add 1 Tbsp doenjang, 1 knob of ginger, and a splash of soju. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the cleaned chicken feet and blanch for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for eliminating any unwanted odors.
Step 5
Rinse and Marinate: Drain the blanched chicken feet and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Ensure excess water is removed. In a bowl, combine the drained chicken feet with the prepared sauce. Gently massage the sauce into the chicken feet with your hands, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Step 6
Sauté the Chicken Feet: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken feet and stir-fry. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to caramelize and slightly cling to the chicken feet. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
Step 7
Braise with Sauce: Once the chicken feet are nicely sautéed, add the pureed onion and about half a cup of water. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken feet beautifully.
Step 8
Simmer and Finish: Continue to simmer over medium heat for another 15 minutes. Be mindful not to overcook, as this can make the chicken feet too soft and lose their delightful chewy texture. The goal is to have a tender yet satisfyingly chewy bite. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this spicy delight with your favorite beverage!
