These dramatic Drums of Heaven transform ordinary chicken wings into elegant wing lollipops by pushing the meat into a drumstick shape before marinating and frying. Inspired by Indo-Chinese cuisine, they feature bold flavors of ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and hot sauce wrapped in a light, crispy batter.
Flavor Profile
Savory, garlicky, gingery, crispy, mildly spicy
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
For the Wings
18 chicken wings, separated
3 ounces fresh ginger root, grated
1 ounce granulated garlic
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 dashes hot pepper sauce
1 ounce brandy
1 large egg
For the Shrimp-Style Batter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
½ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon baking powder
Water, as needed
Optional for Extra Fluffiness
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
4 ounces beer
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Remove and discard the wing tips.
- Leave the remaining wing sections connected at the joint.
- Gently bend the joint to loosen it without separating the wing.
- Hold the smaller bone and carefully push the meat upward into the larger section, forming a lollipop or drumstick shape.
- Repeat with all wings.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated ginger, granulated garlic, sesame oil, salt, hot pepper sauce, brandy, and egg.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Add the prepared wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Prepare the batter by combining the flour, egg, cornstarch, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Add enough water to create a smooth batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- For an extra-light batter, stir in the optional oil and beer.
- Heat vegetable oil to 360°F (182°C).
- Dip each marinated wing into the batter, coating completely.
- Fry in batches until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Recipe Notes
Heat Adjustment Suggestions
Increase the hot pepper sauce for additional heat.
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier version.
Serve with chili garlic sauce or hot mustard for extra kick.
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape and marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance.
Prepare the batter just before frying for the crispiest results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sweet chili sauce, Indo-Chinese chili sauce, or garlic dipping sauce.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Excellent for parties, appetizer platters, and special occasions.
DRUMS OF HEAVEN (Crispy Indo-Chinese Wing Lollipops)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove and discard the wing tips.
- Leave the remaining wing sections connected at the joint.
- Gently bend the joint to loosen it without separating the wing.
- Hold the smaller bone and carefully push the meat upward into the larger section, forming a lollipop or drumstick shape.
- Repeat with all wings.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated ginger, granulated garlic, sesame oil, salt, hot pepper sauce, brandy, and egg.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Add the prepared wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Prepare the batter by combining the flour, egg, cornstarch, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Add enough water to create a smooth batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- For an extra-light batter, stir in the optional oil and beer.
- Heat vegetable oil to 360°F (182°C).
- Dip each marinated wing into the batter, coating completely.
- Fry in batches until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Nutrition
Notes
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier version.
Serve with chili garlic sauce or hot mustard for extra kick. Make-Ahead Tips Shape and marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance.
Prepare the batter just before frying for the crispiest results. Serving Suggestions Serve with sweet chili sauce, Indo-Chinese chili sauce, or garlic dipping sauce.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Excellent for parties, appetizer platters, and special occasions
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Inspired By
Inspired by the famous Indo-Chinese restaurant dish “Drums of Heaven,” known for its unique wing-lollipop presentation, aromatic spices, and crispy battered exterior.
Source: Indian Healthy Recipes
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving (based on 6 servings)
Calories: 425
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg
Sodium: 520 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Marinate Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 18 wing lollipops
Difficulty: Intermediate
