Cola Wings
Recipe from Mei & Kyong
As we ring in the Year of the Snake, we’re craving something that will have us reaching for the napkins. Enter these savory, crunchy Cola Wings from Mei and Kyong, a plateful of sticky-sweet goodness representing a new year’s wish for success and good fortune.
Oh, and the Titanium Always Pan Pro — with its no-coating nonstick — makes for quite the easy cleanup situation afterwards.
“My mom used to make these cola wings often when I was a kid and they have been one of my favorite dishes for as long as I can remember. These wings are tender and coated in a sticky, glossy sauce. The use of cola is not traditional by any means but with the addition of ginger, star anise, and cinnamon, the flavor is very much Chinese and never fails to remind me of home and comfort. It’s the perfect dish for celebrating the year of the snake because the snake symbolizes transformation — melding old traditions with new ingredients and flavors to create something unique and delicious.”
5 min
25 min
4
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 24 ounces cola (2 cans)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ½ lemon, sliced
- 1 stalk green onion, knotted
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 star anise
- ⅓ cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweeter sauce)
- Cooking oil
- Sliced green onion, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Make shallow cuts on each wing and drumette to help them cook evenly. Place in a bowl, season with salt, and toss to coat. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Heat cooking oil in the Titanium Always Pan Pro over medium-high heat. Sear the wings in batches until golden on both sides, about 1 minute per side.
Step 3
Return all the wings to the pan and pour in the cola. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
Step 4
Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, lemon slices, knotted green onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 5
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and discard the lemon slices, green onion, and spices. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered to reduce the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bubbles are larger and calmer. You can also test the thickness with a spoon.
Step 6
Lower the heat to medium and gently toss the wings in the reduced sauce until evenly glazed. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds, and enjoy while hot.
