Chicken wings are a beloved staple at gatherings, from small family get-togethers to epic parties. But what if we told you that there’s a way to take your chicken wing game to a whole new level? Get ready to explore a unique twist on the classic chicken wing with this recipe for Hibiscus BBQ Chicken Wings from Food 52. These wings are nothing short of spectacular, featuring a homemade BBQ sauce infused with the exotic flavors of hibiscus. With a tantalizing balance of tartness, tanginess, and sweetness, these wings will steal the show at any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will elevate your wing game to a whole new level!
Hibiscus BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 scallions
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers, chopped
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero pepper as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken Wing Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken wings, separated at the joint with tips removed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
- Heat up a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onions and scallions until the onions turn slightly translucent, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Into the saucepan, toss in all the dry spices and herbs, including salt and pepper, stirring them to combine. Pour in 1 cup of water and add the tomato paste, dried hibiscus flowers, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and the Scotch bonnet pepper. Let this delightful mixture simmer for 15 minutes until the hibiscus flowers have softened.
- Once done, carefully transfer the mixture into a blender and process until you achieve a smooth and thoroughly combined texture. If needed, you can add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired sauce consistency. Return the barbecue sauce to the saucepan and introduce the honey, stirring until well incorporated. Taste the sauce and add extra salt if required.
- For the Chicken Wings, preheat your oven to 400°F. Begin by patting the chicken wings dry before placing them into a spacious bowl. Drizzle the chicken wings with olive oil, then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give them a good toss to ensure even coating.
- Lay out the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. You might need two baking sheets depending on your batch size. Bake the chicken wings, flipping them once, until they achieve a glorious golden-brown color. This typically takes around 30 minutes. Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a fresh bowl and coat them generously with the hibiscus barbecue sauce. Place them back on the wire rack over the baking sheet.
- Return the sauced-up wings to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, turning them halfway through. Finally, serve these delectable Hibiscus BBQ Chicken Wings piping hot and watch them disappear.
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets to creating Hibiscus BBQ Chicken Wings, you’re well-equipped to be the star of any gathering or game day event. The exotic twist of hibiscus in the BBQ sauce takes these wings to new heights, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests. So, don’t wait for the next party – whip up a batch of these tantalizing wings and savor the applause and satisfied smiles of your friends and family. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey like no other with our Hibiscus BBQ Chicken Wings!
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