Sweet, Spicy Plantain Sauce Wings

Ingredients

• 2 ripe plantains (very ripe, baked until very soft)
• 3 cup water (3-4 cups (720-960 ml))
• 2 habaneros (use less if sensitive to heat)
• 1 knob ginger
• 2 garlic cloves
• 0.5 white onion
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp salt (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5 cup white vinegar (adjust to preferred tanginess)
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp paprika (for sauce)
• 0.25 cup butter
• 2 lb chicken wings
• 1 tbsp salt (for wings)
• 2 tbsp paprika (for wings)
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp ginger powder
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• oil (for deep-frying)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 2 very ripe plantains on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes until they are very soft.

2. 2

   Once baked, peel the plantains and place them in a blender with 3–4 cups (720–960 ml) of water.

3. 3

   Add 2 habaneros, 1 knob of ginger, 2 garlic cloves, and ½ white onion to the blender.

4. 4

   Blend the mixture until completely smooth, then strain it through a fine sieve into a saucepan.

5. 5

   Add 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp soy sauce, ½ cup white vinegar, 1 tsp ground cloves, and 2 tbsp paprika to the strained mixture.

6. 6

   Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat until it becomes thick and syrupy. Taste and adjust the sweetness, salt, acidity, or spice (adding cayenne if desired).

7. 7

   Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in ¼ cup (57 g) of butter. If serving the sauce cold or at room temperature, leave it slightly thinner than your ideal consistency as the butter will firm it up as it cools.

8. 8

   In a large bowl, season the chicken wings with 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp ginger powder, and 1 tbsp cayenne pepper.

9. 9

   Mix the wings well to ensure even coating and marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is best for maximum flavor.

10. 10

    Heat oil for deep-frying to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wings until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.

11. 11

    Toss the hot fried wings in the warm plantain sauce until thoroughly coated.

12. 12

    Serve the wings immediately and enjoy.

Notes

If serving the sauce cold or at room temperature, leave it slightly thinner than your ideal consistency because the butter will firm it up as it cools. For the best flavor, marinate the wings overnight.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• appetizer
• chicken wings
• spicy
• fried
• Caribbean
• dinner