Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the brine by combining 3 cups of slightly warmed water with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup salt in a container, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Submerge the cleaned chicken wings in the brine mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- After brining, remove the wings, strain them, and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Heat 4 cups of duck fat in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
- While the fat heats, prepare the flavor coating by combining vadouvan spice, minced garlic, white and black sesame seeds, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
- For the wing sauce, combine chicken stock, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan and reduce until slightly thickened.
- Carefully add wings to the hot duck fat in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove wings and drain briefly on paper towels.
- While still hot, toss the wings in the prepared spice mixture until evenly coated.
- Drizzle with the honey-vinegar reduction and sprinkle with the chopped herbs (mint, parsley, and oregano) and sliced scallions.
- For the vegetable accompaniment, combine sliced Japanese cucumber, radishes, julienned kohlrabi, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Make a dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, honey, Greek yogurt, and sumac. Toss with the vegetables.
- Serve the wings immediately alongside the dressed vegetable medley.
Nutrition
Notes
The brining process is essential for juicy wings - don't skip this step! If you can't find vadouvan spice, substitute with curry powder mixed with a pinch of shallot powder. For a lighter version, these wings can be air-fried instead of deep-fried. Vegetable oil can replace duck fat if needed, though the flavor won't be quite as rich.
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
