Are you ready to take your chicken wings to the next level? Forget store-bought sauces; this Carolina Gold Wing Sauce recipe is a game-changer. It's a vibrant blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will have you licking your fingers long after the last wing is gone. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering – guaranteed to impress even the most discerning wing connoisseurs! It's a simple example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
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Season to Taste: Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want more brown sugar for extra sweetness, more hot sauce for more heat, or more vinegar for extra tang. This is where you can personalize this easy recipe.
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Serve and Enjoy: Toss your cooked chicken wings in the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the amazing flavor!
Cooking Tips for the Best Carolina Gold Wing Sauce:
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 15 minutes develops the flavors and creates a richer, more complex taste.
- Adjust the spice level: The amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper is entirely up to your preference. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of heat.
- Make it ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is a great tip for meal prepping!
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period or whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of the cooking time.
Variations:
- Honey Gold Wings: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweeter and richer sauce.
- Spicy Gold Wings: Increase the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. Adding a pinch of chipotle powder will add smoky heat.
- BBQ Gold Wings: Add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ rub to the sauce for a smoky BBQ flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the quantity of sauce used and the size of the chicken wings. This information is an estimate for one serving of sauce.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: Low
- Protein: Low
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This recipe offers a healthy alternative to many store-bought sauces, lower in fat and sodium. Enjoy this delicious and easy food recipe! It's a great option for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This is a great recipe for homemade cooking, adding a tasty twist to your usual food recipes. It's amongst the best recipes you can find for flavorful chicken wings!