Mmasekuku - Spicy South African Chicken Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the wings on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
5. 5.
   Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken wings — For best results, choose high-quality chicken wings with the skin on. This will ensure a juicy and flavorful end result.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to add a smoky depth of flavor to the marinade.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste buds.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• Basting the wings with the marinade while grilling will enhance the flavor and keep them moist.
• Serve the Mmasekuku with a side of creamy coleslaw to balance out the spiciness.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Mmasekuku chicken wings hot as an appetizer or as a main course alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Provide extra lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken wings on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with a colorful dipping sauce. Use vibrant South African-inspired tableware to enhance the presentation and create an inviting atmosphere.