Soy Sauce Cola Chicken Wings

Ingredients

500g chicken wings

2–3 spring onions, cut into lengths (plus extra for garnish)

1 thumb-sized piece ginger, sliced

Small handful coriander (optional)

Vegetable oil

The Marinade

1 teaspoon light soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Pinch white pepper

Pinch sugar

1 tablespoon cornflour

The Sauce

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)

150ml cola

PREPARATION

1. Place the chicken wings in a bowl and add light soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar and cornflour. Mix well and leave to marinate for 20–30 minutes.

COOKING

2. Heat a wok over high heat with a little oil and add the chicken wings skin side down.

3. Sear the wings for a few minutes until golden brown, turning to colour all sides.

4. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and Shaoxing wine to the wok.

5. Pour in the cola and bring everything to a gentle boil.

6. Cover with a lid and reduce to medium-low heat.

7. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to reduce.

8. In a separate pan, briefly sear the ginger and spring onions to release their aroma.

9. Add the ginger and spring onions into the chicken and stir to combine.

10. Continue cooking uncovered until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

11. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce.

12. Serve hot, garnished with spring onions and coriander.

School of Wok Tips

• Searing the wings first builds flavour and colour.

• Cola helps tenderise the meat and creates a sticky glaze when reduced.

• Keep the heat moderate during braising to avoid burning the sauce.

• The sauce should coat the wings, not pool at the bottom.

FAQs

Why use cola in this recipe?

Cola adds sweetness and helps create a thick, glossy sauce as it reduces.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, but wings work best as they stay juicy and absorb flavour well.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a balanced sweet-savoury flavour, which you can adjust by reducing the cola slightly.