Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Wings

If you're looking for a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of sweet, spicy, and tangy, then look no further than these Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Wings. These wings are a delightful twist on the classic buffalo wing, offering a unique taste sensation that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Choosing a ripe and flavourful mango is essential to ensure the success of your Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Wings recipe. Here are some tips to help you pick a good mango:

1. Check for Color and Appearance:

   • You’re not looking for crazy vibrant colors. Depending on the variety, a ripe mango can range from green to yellow, orange, or red. But at the end of the day, a little dull is actually a sign of ripeness

   • Avoid mangoes with large blemishes, bruises, or wrinkled skin. These may be signs of overripeness or damage.

2. Feel for Firmness:

   • Gently squeeze the mango. A ripe mango will give slightly when pressed, but it should not be too soft.

   • Avoid mangoes that are extremely firm or overly soft, as they may not be ripe or may be overripe, respectively.

3. Smell the Stem End:

   • Bring the mango up to your nose and smell the area around the stem. A ripe mango will have a sweet, fragrant aroma near the stem.

   • If it doesn't have a scent, it may not be ripe yet.

4. Consider Varieties:

   • Different mango varieties have varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Familiarize yourself with the specific variety you are purchasing, as ripeness cues can differ.

5. Look for a Full Shape:

   • A ripe mango should have a plump and rounded shape. Avoid mangoes that are flat or sunken in any areas.

6. Check for Ripeness Near the Stem:

   • Look at the stem end of the mango. If it yields slightly to gentle pressure, it's an indication that the mango is ripe.

7. Avoid Hard, Green Mangoes:

   • Mangoes that are entirely green and very hard are likely underripe and will need some time to ripen at room temperature.

Remember, the ripeness of a mango largely depends on its variety and the climate in which it was grown. If you're unsure about a mango's ripeness, you can always ask a store attendant for assistance. With practice, you'll become more skilled at selecting perfectly ripe mangoes for your recipes!

The Mango Habanero Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors

At the heart of these wings is the mouthwatering Mango Habanero Sauce. This sauce is a fusion of the natural sweetness of mangoes, the fiery kick of habanero peppers, and a medley of aromatic garlic, green onions, and spices. The addition of lime juice and white vinegar provides a tangy zing, while brown sugar lends a rich caramel undertone. The result is a sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, with just the right amount of heat to awaken your palate.

A Culmination of Technique and Taste

The wings themselves are a testament to culinary finesse… psych these are ridiculously easy to make people! You’re litterally throwing everything in a blender and then simmering!

Don’t be afraid of the kitchen, it’s really that easy to make some of your household favs in a matter of minutes. Faster than driving to Wingstop or wherever you go to curb your wing cravings, because if you’re anything like me, you can alwaaays go for a good wing..

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1 sweet mango

• 1-2 habanero peppers (adjust to taste)

• 1 stalk of green onion

• 3-5 cloves of garlic

• 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 6 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 2 tbsp any neutral oil

• 1 cup water

• 2 tsp cornstarch

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp MSG (optional)

Instructions:

Mango Habanero Sauce:

1. Peel and dice the sweet mango.and roughly breakdown your green onion stalk and you’re going to honestly just chuck everything into a blender. Can’t get any simpler. You’re going to combine your Mango, Garlic, Habanero, Neutral Oil, Green Onion, Lime juice, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar and your spices (salt, paprika, garlic powder)

2. In a medium sauce pan combine your room temp water and cornstarch and crank it to medium heat

3. Add in the blended mango concoction to your saucepan, over medium heat and stir well to combine all the ingredients. You’re going to constantly stir this for 2-3 minutes until you see it bubbling back and beginning to thicken. It’ll settle once cooled.

4. If it's too thick, you can add a little more water, if it’s too runny you just need to heat it up again and let it reduce a little. Honestly fool proof.

Chicken Wings:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with salt, baking powder, cornstarch, pepper, and MSG (if using). Toss well to coat evenly.

3. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the wings on the rack. This will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy.

4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time.

5. Once the wings are nice and crispy, remove them from the oven. They may look dull in colour but the internal temp should read at least 165°F , what you save in health benefits from baking you may lose in colour sadly. But they’ll still taste A1 and stay super crispy even after coated in sauce.

Bringing it all together:

1. Place the baked wings in a large mixing bowl.

2. Pour the prepared Mango Habanero Sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat evenly.

3. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Serve your Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Wings hot and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors! These wings are sure to be a hit at any gathering.