Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings Or Pork Or Beef Ribs

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sweet and sour chicken wings with a tangy glaze that balances citrusy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and savory soy sauce—perfect for casual family dinners or party platters.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. fresh chicken wings
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1/4 c. catsup
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Brown chicken wings in hot shortening.
  2. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Drain drippings from skillet and add vinegar, dark brown sugar, pineapple juice, catsup, soy sauce, prepared mustard, and salt.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  5. Boil gently for 5 minutes.
  6. Add browned wings back to the skillet.
  7. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
  8. Transfer chicken to a serving dish over rice, if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier texture, consider double frying the chicken wings before adding them to the sauce. If you're out of shortening, vegetable oil works well as a substitute. You can also use honey or agave syrup instead of dark brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Adjust the vinegar and soy sauce to cater to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken wings pair beautifully with rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings, alongside dishes like Vidalia Chicken Salad or Garden Potato Chowder, enhancing your spread of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sweet and sour chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be mindful not to overcook, as they can become rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings Or Pork Or Beef Ribs contains roughly 462 calories, with 4g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

462 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 15.2g 20% DV
Carbs 66.4g 24% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 58.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 485.9mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 0.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 97.3mg 7% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, this sweet and sour sauce works excellently with pork or beef ribs as well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose, ensuring it is cooked through and tender.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To lighten the recipe, use skinless chicken wings or substitute the shortening with a healthier oil like olive oil. You can also reduce the amount of sugar and use fresh fruit or fruit juice for sweetness, which adds flavor without excess calories.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and brown the chicken wings ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge, and when you're ready to serve, combine and simmer them together for a quick meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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