Filipino-Style Buffalo Wings

Filipino-Style Buffalo Wings Recipe - Flavorful Fusion of East and West

Region / culture: Asia, Philippines, Southeast Asia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Buffalo wings are a popular dish in the United States, but did you know that they also have a Filipino-style version? This recipe combines the classic flavors of buffalo wings with a Filipino twist, using calamansi juice and banana ketchup to add a unique flavor profile.

History

Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s, and have since become a staple in American cuisine. The Filipino-style buffalo wings recipe adds a new twist to this classic dish, incorporating flavors and ingredients commonly found in Filipino cooking.

Ingredients

1 kg chicken wings
1 tsp spice rub
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
0.25 cup margarine or 1 cup butter
0.25 cup hot sauce
0.5 cup banana ketchup
0.5 cup cooking oil
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black or red pepper
5 tbsp calamansi juice, reserving 2 tbsp for the sauce
cornstarch, for coating the chicken
chopped parsley, for garnishing

How to prepare

Wash the chicken wings and remove any excess water. Then, coat them with calamansi juice, salt, spice rub, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
Marinate the chicken wings for at least 1 hour for the best result.
In a deep-frying pan, heat enough cooking oil to cover the chicken wings while deep frying.
Coat the chicken wings with cornstarch before frying. You can use a strong plastic bag to shake and coat the chicken with cornstarch. Then, deep-fry the chicken wings until they turn golden brown.
Drain the excess oil by using a strainer or a paper towel.
In a saucepan, melt the margarine or butter. Add hot sauce, the remaining calamansi juice, and banana ketchup. Mix well and simmer for a few seconds.
Add the sauce to the fried chicken wings and stir-fry until each wing is well coated. Serve hot and plain, but garnish with chopped parsley.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
You can also try using different types of hot sauce to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken wings for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Coating the chicken wings with cornstarch before frying helps to create a crispy exterior.

- Be careful when deep frying the chicken wings, as hot oil can cause burns. Use a deep-frying pan with high sides to prevent splattering.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Filipino-style buffalo wings with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, but you can also bake the chicken wings in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find calamansi juice, you can substitute with lemon or lime juice. You can also use regular ketchup if you don't have banana ketchup on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Filipino-style buffalo wings on a platter garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

These wings pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten (from the ketchup) and dairy (from the butter).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Filipino-style buffalo wings are a delicious twist on a classic dish, combining the flavors of buffalo wings with Filipino ingredients. With a crispy exterior and a tangy sauce, these wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Filipino-Style Buffalo Wings. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria had just returned from a trip to the Philippines, and she was eager to share her new culinary discoveries with me.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on cups of steaming hot coffee, Maria reached into her purse and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. She unfolded it carefully, revealing a handwritten recipe for Filipino-style buffalo wings. The paper was yellowed with age, and the ink had faded slightly, but the words were still legible.

Maria explained that she had learned the recipe from a local chef during her travels in the Philippines. She raved about the unique blend of flavors - a combination of tangy calamansi juice, spicy chili peppers, and sweet pineapple that gave these buffalo wings a deliciously distinct taste.

I was intrigued by the recipe and couldn't wait to give it a try. Maria and I spent the rest of the afternoon gathering the ingredients and preparing the wings. We marinated the chicken in a mixture of calamansi juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, letting it soak up the flavors for several hours.

As the wings baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and soy sauce filled the kitchen. I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched Maria toss the wings in a spicy buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, butter, and honey. The sweet and spicy combination was a revelation, and I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

When the wings were finally ready, Maria and I sat down to enjoy our creation. The first bite was a burst of flavor - the tangy calamansi juice cut through the richness of the buffalo sauce, while the sweetness of the pineapple added a delightful contrast. I savored each bite, marveling at how the different ingredients came together to create a symphony of tastes on my palate.

From that day on, Filipino-style buffalo wings became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I cooked them, I thought of Maria and our wonderful day spent experimenting in the kitchen.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I like to serve the wings with a side of garlic fried rice and a refreshing cucumber salad, creating a complete meal that never fails to impress.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am grateful for the friendship and culinary inspiration she has brought into my life. The recipe for Filipino-style buffalo wings has become more than just a dish - it is a symbol of the joy of cooking and the memories shared with loved ones.

So the next time you're looking for a new twist on a classic favorite, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy cooking!