Have you ever tasted chicken wings so good, that they left you wanting more, with a flavor that lingered on your taste buds long after the last bite? Look no further than this Romanian chicken wings recipe, bursting with savory, sweet, and slightly smoky notes. But what’s the secret ingredient that takes these wings to the next level? We’ll reveal that soon, but first, let’s gather the ingredients.
For the Chicken Wings
- 15 chicken wings
- 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) water
- 10 g (0.35 oz) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- 20 g (0.7 oz) sugar
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 g (0.35 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.18 oz) black pepper
- 5 g (0.18 oz) sweet paprika
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) soy sauce
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) water
- 4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 10 g (0.35 oz) green onion, chopped
- 10 g (0.35 oz) parsley, chopped
- 10 ml (34 fl oz) olive oil
The Secret Ingredient
So, what’s the magic ingredient that elevates these chicken wings? It’s sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. Soaking the wings in a baking soda solution for 15 minutes before cooking tenderizes the meat, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful wings that fall off the bone.
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the water, baking soda, and sugar. Add the chicken wings and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Season and Sear: Pat the wings dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and soy sauce. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the wings on all sides until golden brown.
- Simmer in Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes and 100 ml of water to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and tender.
- Glaze and Finish: Remove the wings from the pan and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the sauce until thickened slightly. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Return the wings to the pan and coat them in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onion, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
Tips
- For extra crispy skin, broil the wings for a few minutes after coating them in the sauce.
- You can adjust the amount of spices to your taste preference.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
So, ditch the store-bought wings and try this Romanian recipe instead. With its secret ingredient and simple steps, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality chicken wings that will impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more!
