Craving those crispy, zesty wings you love from Outback Steakhouse? Forget takeout! This recipe recreates the magic of their famous Kookaburra Wings right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, and the result? Delicious, finger-licking good wings that will have everyone asking for more. Get ready for a taste of Aussie adventure!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Kookaburra Wing Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving extra crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Dredge each chicken wing in the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Then, dredge the buttermilk-coated wings in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
Frying the Wings:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Carefully place the wings in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Kookaburra Sauce:
- While the wings are frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Combining and Serving:
- Once the wings are cooked and drained, toss them gently in the Kookaburra sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy wings: Double-fry them! Fry for a shorter time initially, then let them rest, and fry again for a crispier exterior.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or the sauce for extra heat.
- Sweet and Spicy: Adjust the amount of honey and red pepper flakes to customize the sweetness and spiciness to your preference.
- Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss with the sauce after baking.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and frying method) Fat: Approximately 10-15g Protein: Approximately 10g
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a casual dinner or game day gathering. The combination of crispy wings and tangy, sweet, and savory sauce is truly irresistible! Enjoy the Aussie flavor explosion!