Coca-Cola Chicken Wings (可乐鸡翅)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
3 mins
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Cook Time
27 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
499 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Coca-Cola Chicken Wings (可乐鸡翅)
Description
The Coca-Cola Chicken Wings recipe transforms chicken wings into a richly flavored dish through a combination of frying and braising in a unique sauce featuring a cola beverage as the braising liquid. The initial frying step gives the chicken pieces a light golden crust, adding texture and flavor. As the wings simmer in the mixture of cola, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and aromatics including ginger and scallions, the soda's sweetness balances the salty and spiced elements, creating a layered sauce. Optional star anise and bay leaf contribute subtle fragrance to the braising broth.
The braising process is carefully controlled to maintain a boil, assuring the wings cook through while absorbing flavor thoroughly. Once cooked, the sauce is reduced over high heat to a thick, sticky glaze that envelops the wings, enhancing their moistness and taste. This dish is often garnished with sesame seeds and scallions for added texture and freshness.
It can be served as a flavorful entree or as a finger food complement to other dishes. Adjustments to the recipe allow for usage of chicken drumsticks or thighs by increasing cooking time slightly. The recipe advises against using diet sodas due to heat sensitivity of artificial sweeteners, which could affect the final sauce quality.
Ingredients
- 9 chicken wings about 900 g/2 lb (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 can cola beverage 330 ml/12 fl oz (see note 2, original Coca-Cola or Pepsi
- 6 lices ginger
- 2 talks scallions
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce light
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 piece star anise optional
- 1 bay leaf optional
Garnishing (optional)
- sesame seeds
- scallions finely chopped
Instructions
Fry the chicken
- Cut each chicken wing into three parts at the joints. Pat dry the surface with kitchen paper if they appear to be wet.
- Add oil to a wok or a pot. Lay in the chicken pieces, ideally in a single layer. Fry over medium heat until lightly golden (flip halfway to brown both sides).
Braise the chicken
- Pour in Coca-Cola (or Pepsi). Add ginger, scallions, light soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, salt, white pepper, star anise and bay leaf. Use high heat to bring the liquid to a full boil.
- Cover with a lid. Leave to cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. It should be still boiling during the process (not a gentle simmer). Flip the chicken pieces halfway to ensure all sides have contact with the broth.
Thickens the sauce
- When the time is up, remove the lid and turn the heat to the highest. Pick out the ginger, scallions and spices. Leave to boil vigorously to allow fast evaporation.
- Once the broth is thickened, toss the chicken very well to coat every piece with the sauce (Tip: This process takes 8 to 10 minutes depending on the heat. Please bear in mind that the sauce will thicken further while cooling down. Be attentive not to overly boil down as you might burn the sauce.)
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve warm with steamed rice, vegetable dishes, or at room temperature as finger food.
Notes
- This recipe also works for chicken drumsticks or thighs; increase braising time by about 5 minutes for larger pieces.
- Avoid diet colas as their artificial sweeteners are heat-sensitive and not suitable for cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 499 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 499kcal | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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