Tamarind Caramel Wings
Crispy oven-baked wings drenched in a dark tamarind, lime and lemongrass caramel - sweet, sour and sticky all at once.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2kg chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes)
2 tbsp baking powder
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp salt
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the glaze
1 tbsp tamarind paste
90g brown sugar
1 tbsp finely chopped lemongrass
30ml water
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp finely grated ginger
1 garlic clove, crushed
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 220°C fan-forced. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, cornflour, salt, curry powder, paprika, garlic powder and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss well to coat evenly.
Place the wings on the prepared tray and bake for 40-45 minutes, until cooked through and crispy.
Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a medium heavy-based saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, tamarind paste and lemongrass over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Bring to the boil and cook without stirring for a further 5 minutes, until the sugar caramelises and darkens.
Carefully stir in the lime juice, fish sauce, ginger, garlic and lime zest, and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
Pour straight over the wings while hot.
Coconut rice and cucumber are a strong recommendation on the side.
HINTS
The cornflour and baking powder coating is the key to crisp oven wings, so toss them until evenly dusted.
Don't stir the caramel once it comes to the boil - let it darken undisturbed, or it can crystallise.
Add the lime, fish sauce and aromatics off the fierce heat so they keep their fresh, sharp edge against the deep caramel.
NUTRITION (per recipe total, serves 4 - guide only):
Energy: 16800 kJ (4010 cal)
Protein: 280 g
Fat: 220 g
Saturated fat: 55 g
Carbohydrate: 130 g
Sugars: 95 g
Sodium: 8200 mg
This nutrition information is a guide only and may vary depending on brands, exact quantities, and ingredient substitutions used.