Name: Brown Sugar Pineapple Beef Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef short ribs, cut into wing-like pieces; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup packed brown sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced fine; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; ¼ cup pineapple chunks, drained; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp cold water

Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are about to become your new obsession. Forget everything you thought you knew about chicken wings because this recipe elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine tender, juicy wings coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that’s bursting with tropical flavor. It’s this irresistible combination that makes Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings so incredibly addictive. People adore them because they offer a perfect balance of sweet from the brown sugar, tartness from the pineapple, and savory goodness from the chicken. What truly sets these wings apart is the unique flavor profile – it’s a delightful departure from the usual buffalo or BBQ, offering a bright and unexpected taste that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Get ready to impress with this show-stopping appetizer or main dish!

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced fine
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water

Preparing the Chicken Wings

The foundation of any great wing recipe is perfectly prepared chicken. For these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings, we’re starting with about 2 pounds of chicken wings, which I like to split into their constituent drumettes and flats. This makes them easier to eat and ensures more even cooking. Once they’re all prepped, I pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step, especially if you plan to bake or air fry them, as it helps achieve a crispier skin. Don’t skip this! After drying, I season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt helps to draw out moisture and enhances the overall flavor, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. Set these aside while we prepare the incredible sauce.

Crafting the Brown Sugar Pineapple Sauce

This sauce is where the magic happens, transforming simple chicken wings into something truly special. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and packed brown sugar. The brown sugar will lend a wonderful caramelization and sweetness, beautifully balancing the salty soy sauce and the bright, tropical flavor of the pineapple juice. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Freshly minced garlic and ginger provide a much more vibrant and pungent flavor than their dried counterparts, so it’s worth the extra effort. Stir everything together until the brown sugar starts to dissolve.

Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. We want to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously, as the sugars can burn. Once it’s simmering nicely, reduce the heat to low and let it continue to cook gently while we prepare the pineapple chunks.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water, whisking them together until a smooth slurry forms. This cornstarch slurry is our thickening agent. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch; a smooth slurry will incorporate evenly into the sauce without creating a cloudy or gummy texture.

Combining and Cooking the Wings

There are several ways to cook these wings, and the method you choose will impact the final texture. For an oven-baked approach, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is beginning to crisp.

While the wings are in their final stages of cooking, return to your sauce. Once the sauce has simmered for a few minutes and the brown sugar is dissolved, stir in the drained pineapple chunks. The pineapple chunks add a delightful chewy texture and bursts of sweet, tangy flavor throughout the wings. Now, it’s time to thicken the sauce. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick whisk to ensure it’s still smooth, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Once the wings are cooked and nicely browned, remove them from the oven. Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the thickened Brown Sugar Pineapple sauce over the wings. Add the pineapple chunks from the sauce (if you separated them for thickening). Toss the wings gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated evenly in the glossy, irresistible sauce.

If you prefer a saucier wing, you can return the sauced wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to let the sauce caramelize further onto the wings. Alternatively, for a more intense glaze, you can serve them immediately after tossing. This method ensures a sticky, sweet, and savory coating that’s utterly addictive. For an air fryer option, place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Then, toss with the prepared sauce.

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your guide to crafting the most irresistible Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings. We’ve covered everything from selecting the perfect ingredients to the final glossy glaze. These wings are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory with that unique tropical pineapple tang. I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring these flavorful bites as much as I do.

For serving, these wings are fantastic as a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or even a fun weeknight dinner alongside some fluffy rice and a crisp green salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat, a splash of soy sauce for extra umami, or even some grated ginger for a zesty kick. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own!

So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these amazing Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic alternative for achieving crispy wings. Simply follow the initial marinating and coating steps. Then, arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook at around 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the time slightly depending on your air fryer model.

How long do the Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings last in the refrigerator?

Leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer for the best texture, as microwaving can make them a bit softer.