Savory Asian-Style Stewed Turkey Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Turkey wings (fresh, skin-on)1 kg
- Soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)100 ml
- Water500 ml
- Brown sugar or palm sugar2 tbsp
- Fresh ginger, sliced30 g
- Garlic cloves, smashed4 piece
- Star anise2 piece
- Chinese five-spice powder1 tsp
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)1 tbsp
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)2 piece
- Fresh red chili, sliced (optional, for garnish)1 piece
- Saltto taste n/a
This Asian-style stewed turkey wings recipe brings tender, flavorful, and hearty wings to your dinner table with easy steps and common ingredients. The wings simmer slowly in a savory broth infused with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, star anise, and a touch of sweetness from sugar, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich aroma. This recipe is budget-friendly, perfect for family meals, and suitable for those new to cooking. The total ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD / 11€ / £9 / ₹900, and it yields about 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 350 kcal, making it a wholesome main dish suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe difficulty is easy, requiring about 20 minutes of preparation and 1 hour of cooking. Food safety is emphasized, with a recommended internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for the turkey wings to ensure safe consumption.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the turkey wings
1Rinse the turkey wings under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the wings brown nicely during cooking. Remember to wash your hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw poultry to avoid cross-contamination.
Brown the turkey wings
2Heat cooking oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the turkey wings and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning adds depth of flavor. Once browned, remove wings and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
3In the same pot, add sliced ginger and smashed garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not burnt; this releases their aromatic flavors.
Add liquids and spices
4Return the turkey wings to the pot. Pour in soy sauce and water. Stir in brown sugar, star anise, and Chinese five-spice powder. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer and stew
5Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for about 50-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The turkey wings are done when the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing to check.
Adjust seasoning and rest
6Taste the broth and add salt if necessary. Remove the pot from heat and let the wings rest covered for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to develop further.
Garnish and serve
7Transfer turkey wings to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped spring onions and sliced red chili if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips
1Use fresh turkey wings for the best flavor and texture. Avoid frozen if possible or thaw completely before cooking.
2Browning the wings before stewing enhances flavor but you can skip this step for quicker prep.
3Star anise and five-spice powder are key to the authentic Asian flavor. If unavailable, substitute with a pinch of cinnamon and ground cloves.
4Monitor simmering to keep liquid at a gentle bubble to avoid tough meat.
5Store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot before eating.
Equipment
- Large pot or deep pan with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey wings (1 kg) - approx. $8: Choose fresh wings with firm flesh and no unpleasant odor.
- [ ] Soy sauce (100 ml) - approx. $1: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier dish.
- [ ] Brown sugar or palm sugar (2 tbsp) - approx. $0.50: Brown sugar adds a nice caramel note.
- [ ] Fresh ginger (30 g) - approx. $0.50: Look for firm, plump roots without mold.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - approx. $0.20: Fresh and firm garlic gives best flavor.
- [ ] Star anise (2 pieces) - approx. $0.30: Available in Asian markets or spice aisles.
- [ ] Chinese five-spice powder (1 tsp) - approx. $0.50: Adds authentic aromatic depth.
- [ ] Cooking oil (vegetable or canola, 1 tbsp) - already in pantry usually.
- [ ] Spring onions (2 pieces) - approx. $0.30: Choose fresh and bright green stalks.
- [ ] Fresh red chili (optional) - approx. $0.20: For a nice spicy kick.
Total estimated cost: $12 (prices may vary by region and store)
FAQ
How do I know when the turkey wings are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F). The meat should also be tender and easily pulled away from the bone.
Can I use frozen turkey wings for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the wings first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I substitute if I don't have Chinese five-spice powder?
You can substitute with a pinch of cinnamon and ground cloves to mimic some of the warm spice flavors.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.