Sweet and Spicy Asian Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 Tbsp. orange zest
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp. minced ginger
• 2 Tbsp. minced green onion
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• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup mirin
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 quarts peanut oil
• 10 lbs. chicken wings, separated at the joints
• 2 cups cornstarch
• 4 Tbsp. Essence* (recipe follows)
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

*Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

• 2 1/2 Tbsp. paprika
• 2 Tbsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. onion powder
• 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp. dried leaf oregano
• 1 Tbsp. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Directions:

In a large saute pan set over medium-high heat, place the orange juice, pineapple juice, orange zest, garlic, ginger, green onion, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring the pan to a boil and stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid has reduced to a thick syrup, about 18 to 20 minutes. While the sauce is reducing, place the oil in a large 6-quart pot and bring to 375 degrees F.

Reserve the wing tips for a stock or soup, and place the rest of the chicken pieces in a large bowl. In a small bowl, season the cornstarch with the Essence. Place the seasoned cornstarch in large, 1 gallon heavy-duty plastic bag and place the chicken pieces in the bag in batches. Shake the bag to coat the chicken, remove the chicken from the bag and place 8 to 10 pieces in the hot oil to fry. Fry in the oil, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels, place in a clean large bowl and season lightly with the salt. Continue this process until all the chicken has been fried.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. When all the chicken is fried and the sauce is reduced, use a spatula to pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss the chicken in the bowl to evenly coat with the glaze. Once all the chicken is coated, sprinkle it with the chopped cilantro and the sesame seeds. Place the chicken in a large ovenproof dish and place in the oven to keep warm until the guests arrive.

By Irishwitch from Aurora, CO