Drums of Heaven
Crispy fried chicken lollipops tossed in a fiery, sweet, and tangy sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a special weekend treat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Ensure your chicken wings are frenched into 'lollipops'. You can ask your butcher to do this.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the chicken lollipops, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- d.Mix thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Batter and Sauce
- b.While the chicken marinates, prepare the batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp of corn starch, egg, red chili powder, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt.
- c.Gradually add 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) of water, whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth batter without lumps. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken.
- d.In a separate small bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
- e.In another small bowl, make the corn starch slurry by mixing the remaining 1 tbsp of corn starch with 2 tbsp of water until smooth. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deep Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F).
- c.Dip each marinated chicken lollipop into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and let any excess drip off.
- d.Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil. Fry in small batches of 4-5 pieces to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- e.Fry for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- f.Remove the fried lollipops with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry the Sauce
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- c.Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok and bring it to a simmer.
- c.Give the corn starch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the wok. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- d.Immediately add the fried chicken lollipops to the wok.
- e.Gently toss everything together until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
- f.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, use the double-fry method. Fry once for 5-6 minutes, remove and let it cool slightly. Then, just before tossing in the sauce, fry again in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (175°C / 350°F). If it's too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can make the chicken soggy.
- 4The final stir-frying process is very quick. Have all your sauce components and vegetables prepped and ready ('mise en place') before you start.
- 5Toss the fried chicken in the sauce just before serving to ensure it stays as crispy as possible.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with cauliflower florets (like Gobi Manchurian) or cubes of paneer. Adjust frying time accordingly.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce along with the other sauces for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of deep-frying, bake or air-fry the battered chicken. Spray with a little oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Then toss in the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Immunity Support
Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers contain powerful compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Energy Provider
The combination of carbohydrates from the flour coating and protein from the chicken provides a substantial source of energy, making it a filling and satisfying appetizer.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of three pieces of Drums of Heaven contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily from the deep-fried chicken and the sweet and savory sauces.