Brazil wings are a popular chicken wing dish that originated in Brazil. They feature a unique blend of spices and flavors that set them apart from traditional American-style chicken wings.
What makes Brazil wings different?
There are a few key differences between Brazil wings and typical American chicken wings:
- Spicing – Brazil wings feature a robust blend of spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. This gives them a more complex, savory flavor profile.
- Marinating – The wings are usually marinated overnight in the spice blend to really allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cooking method – Brazil wings are often deep fried resulting in an ultra crispy exterior. American wings are more often baked or grilled.
- Sauce – While American wings are all about the sauce, Brazil wings let the spice blend be the star. A sauce isn’t typically used.
Origin of Brazil wings
Brazil wings originated in the South American country of Brazil. Here are some details on the origin of this dish:
- Native to Rio de Janeiro – The wings were created in the coastal city of Rio de Janeiro. This city is known for its street food culture and appetite for chicken wings.
- Influenced by African and Portuguese flavors – Brazilian cuisine reflects influences from African and Portuguese cultures. This is evident in the unique blend of spices used on Brazil wings.
- Popular street food – Like many Brazilian street foods, Brazil wings likely originated as an inexpensive street snack sold by food vendors and restaurants.
- Global spread – As Brazilian immigrants came to America, the popularity of Brazil wings spread globally. You can now find them on menus across the US and beyond.
Common ingredients
Brazil wings feature a straightforward list of ingredients that combines to create big, bold flavor. Here are the most common ingredients:
- Chicken wings – The foundation of the dish. Wings sections are often used rather than whole wings or drummettes.
- Paprika – A smoky spice that gives the wings a rich, reddish color.
- Onion powder – Dried onion adds savory onion flavor.
- Garlic powder – Brings an aromatic garlicky punch.
- Cumin – An earthy spice popular in Brazilian cooking.
- Chili powder – Adds mild heat and smokiness.
- Coriander – Fresh, citrusy flavor notes.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- Black pepper – A bit of spicy kick.
- Oil – For frying or baking the wings until crispy.
The exact blend can vary, but this covers the major spices used in traditional Brazil wings.
Common preparation methods
There are two main ways that Brazil wings are prepared:
Deep fried
This is the traditional preparation method. It results in ultra crispy, crunchy wings with spice-infused meat inside. Here’s the basic process:
- Marinate raw chicken wings in spice blend overnight.
- Remove wings from marinade and pat dry.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Fry wings for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until deeply browned.
- Let fried wings drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked
For a lower fat alternative, Brazil wings can also be baked. The steps are similar:
- Marinate raw wings in spices overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease.
- Arrange wings on sheet and bake 25-30 minutes, flipping once.
- Broil 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp the skin.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Popular flavor variations
While the traditional blend of paprika, cumin, etc is most popular, Brazil wings are sometimes made with different spice mixes. Common variations include:
- Jerk – Jerk seasoning features Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and more. It brings tropical heat.
- Tandoori – Tandoori paste contains spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cumin.
- Cajun – Cajun seasoning has flavors like cayenne, black pepper, onion, and oregano.
- Lemon pepper – Uses fresh lemon and cracked black pepper for a zesty citrus kick.
- Honey garlic – A sweet and savory blend of honey, garlic, soy, and spices.
Feel free to get creative and use any blend of spices that complement the flavor of crispy fried chicken.
Serving suggestions
Brazil wings make a stellar party appetizer or game day snack. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Pair with ice cold beer or Brazilian drinks like caipirinhas.
- Offer with fried side dishes like french fries, fried plantains, or yuca fries.
- Serve alongside Brazilian rice and beans for an easy meal.
- Top with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh twist.
Where to find Brazil wings on American menus
As Brazilian flavors grow in popularity, Brazil wings are popping up on more and more restaurant menus across America. Here are some places they commonly appear:
- Brazilian steakhouses – Rodizio style restaurants often have Brazil wings as an appetizer option.
- Brazilian bakeries – Some bake shops feature appetizers like wings and pastries.
- Food trucks – Brazilian food trucks and carts will often sell snacks like wings.
- Sports bars – The finger food appeal makes Brazil wings perfect for sports bar menus.
- Latin restaurants – Some restaurants featuring Latin cuisine from all over South America will offer Brazil wings.
- Pub fare menus – Brewpubs and gastropubs with global menu influences may include Brazil wings.
You may also find frozen and ready-to-cook Brazil wings in grocery stores to prepare at home.
| Restaurant | Location |
|---|---|
| Copacabana Brazilian Grill | New York, NY |
| Texas de Brazil | Multiple Locations |
| Boy From Ipanema | Los Angeles, CA |
| Sazon Brazil | Washington DC |
This table shows some popular restaurants around the US that serve Brazil wings.
How to make Brazil wings from scratch at home
It’s easy to make crispy, flavor-packed Brazil wings at home. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into sections
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all the spices.
- Add chicken wings and toss to evenly coat in the spice blend.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or dutch oven to 350°F.
- Fry wings in batches for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until deeply browned.
- Drain wings on a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve wings hot with your choice of dipping sauces if desired.
And that’s it! With just 10 minutes of active prep, you can have deliciously seasoned Brazil wings ready for your next game day party or weeknight dinner.
Brazil wing recipes with a twist
Once you master the basic technique for making Brazil wings, the possibilities are endless for new flavor variations. Here are a few recipe ideas to try:
Jerk Brazil Wings
Infuse the wings with Jamaican jerk spices by adding jerk seasoning along with the other spices.
Honey Soy Brazil Wings
Marinate the wings in a honey soy sauce mixture for a sweet and salty flavor.
Lemon Pepper Brazil Wings
Use lemon pepper seasoning and add some zest and juice for bright citrus notes.
Tandoori Brazil Wings
Rub the wings with a blend of tandoori paste and yogurt for tangy Indian flavors.
Peri Peri Brazil Wings
Peri peri sauce brings the heat – shake the wings in the sauce before serving.
You really can’t go wrong when you start with crispy fried wings and add global spice blends like these. The flavor combinations are endless!
Conclusion
Brazil wings are a delicious way to add some South American flair to your typical chicken wings. With their crispy texture and robust blend of spices, they offer an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for snacking and sharing. The wings are easy to make at home with basic pantry spices. While the traditional preparation is fried, they can also be baked for a lighter option. However you choose to make them, Brazil wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
