Outback Wings Recipe: Steakhouse Kookaburra Copycat

If you love the tangy, spicy flavor of Outback Steakhouse’s Kookaburra Wings, you’re in for a treat.

Making these wings at home is surprisingly easy and can bring that restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

All you need are a few key spices and some basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.

I’ve tried various recipes and found the best combination to get that crispy, fiery flavor.

The main ingredients include chicken wings, butter, hot sauce, and a special blend of spices.

If you like your wings extra crispy, you can also add a bit of flour to the mix before frying.

Don’t forget to whip up some dipping sauces to go with your wings.

Ranch or blue cheese dressings are always a hit, and you can add a side of celery sticks for some crunch.

Trust me, once you try this copycat recipe, you’ll never go back to frozen wings again!

Key Takeaways

• Key spices and ingredients are the secret to making these wings at home.
• Butter, hot sauce, and a special spice blend are essential.
• Dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese complement the wings perfectly.

Overview of Ingredients

In this section, I’ll share the key ingredients needed to make delicious Outback Kookaburra Wings at home. You’ll find lists, quantities, and ways to prepare each ingredient to get the best results.

List of Ingredients and Alternatives

For making Outback Kookaburra Wings, you’ll need some specific ingredients. The main ones include:

• Chicken wings
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder and onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Butter
• Hot sauce
• Taco seasoning
• Powdered cheddar cheese
• Vegetable oil (or any frying oil)

If you cannot find powdered cheddar cheese, you can use Molly McButter as an alternative. For hot sauce, any brand works, but Frank’s RedHot is a good choice.

Quantities and Measurements

Getting the right measurements is crucial for flavor balance. The key quantities are:

• Chicken wings: 2 pounds
• Flour: 2 cups
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 tablespoon
• Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust for heat)
• Butter: 1/4 cup (half a stick)
• Hot sauce: 1/3 cup
• Taco seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Powdered cheddar cheese: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil: Enough to cover wings when frying (about 4 cups)

When modifying for smaller or larger servings, keep the ratios consistent to maintain flavor.

Ingredient Preparation

Proper preparation ensures that the wings turn out great. Here’s how to prep each ingredient:

1. 
   

   Chicken wings: Clean and pat them dry with paper towels.

   
   
2. 
   

   Seasoning mix: Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Butter and hot sauce mix: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the hot sauce, taco seasoning, and powdered cheddar cheese until well blended.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cooking oil: Preheat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a large pot or deep fryer.

   
   

Prepare the dipping sauces and celery sticks while cooking, so everything is ready to enjoy as soon as the wings are done.

That covers the main ingredients and preparations needed for making tasty Outback Kookaburra Wings. With these tips, you’ll be ready to cook up a delicious batch.

Cooking Instructions

First, we’ll cover how to prepare your wings, then how to cook them, and finally how to serve them to achieve that perfect crispy and flavorful result.

Preparation Steps

To start, gather your ingredients: chicken wings, vegetable oil, flour, salt, pepper, and some spices like poultry seasoning or taco seasoning for flavor. If you can find it, add powdered cheese for that authentic Outback wings taste.

Clean and dry the chicken wings thoroughly. Use paper towels to pat them dry. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and spices.

Now, for the marinade, place the wings in a sealable plastic container and cover them with Coca-Cola. Shake the container and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.

Cooking Process

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°F. Begin by heating lard or vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a dutch oven to about 375°F. The oil needs to be hot enough to fry the wings to a perfect crisp.

Take the wings out of the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated.

Using tongs, carefully place the wings into the hot oil. Fry the wings for about 10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Then, transfer the wings to a rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil while you finish cooking the rest.

Finalizing and Serving

To make the sauce, melt butter over medium heat, and mix it with hot sauce, taco seasoning, and salad dressing mix. Toss the freshly fried wings in this hot sauce mixture while they are still hot.

For serving, arrange the wings on a plate and sprinkle some powdered cheese over the top for that authentic touch. These crispy and flavorful wings are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Serve them with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade outback wings!

Dipping Sauces and Toppings

When it comes to making the perfect Outback wings, having a variety of dipping sauces and toppings enhances the experience. From spicy variations to creamy dressings, each sauce brings its unique flavor, making every bite memorable.

Hot Sauce Variations

Hot sauce is a must for any chicken wing recipe, and I love experimenting with different types. Louisiana Hot Sauce is a classic choice that adds a fiery kick without overwhelming the taste buds.

For those who prefer a milder touch, mixing hot sauce with butter creates a flavorful medium sauce.

For an extra zesty option, try Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce. Its balance of tangy and spicy makes it a favorite for wing enthusiasts. Pairing these hot sauces with a bit of Worcestershire sauce can add depth and richness to your dipping experience.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Nothing pairs better with hot wings than a creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. My go-to is a homemade mixture that’s rich and delicious.

Start with high-quality blue cheese crumbles and mix them with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. This creates a thick and tangy dressing perfect for dipping.

If you’re pressed for time, you can always use a store-bought bleu cheese dressing. Just ensure it’s well-chilled for the best flavor contrast to the hot wings. I find this creamy dip balances the heat beautifully, giving each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

Additional Toppings

Besides sauces, additional toppings can add bursts of flavor and texture to your wings. Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top can bring a pop of color and freshness.

For an extra crunch, I sometimes add crispy fried onions or garlic. These toppings provide a delightful contrast to the tender wings.

Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. It brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a subtle nutty flavor and pleasing aesthetic touch. These small additions can make your Outback wings even more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll learn how to make delicious Kookaburra wings at home. Whether you want to air fry, bake, or fry them, I’ve got you covered.

How can I make Kookaburra wings like the ones at Outback using an air fryer?

To make Kookaburra wings in an air fryer, start by seasoning the wings with your favorite spices. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the wings in a single layer and cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss them in Kookaburra sauce right before serving.

What’s the best way to fry the wings to get that authentic Outback flavor and texture?

For frying, heat vegetable oil or lard to 375°F in a deep fryer. Dry your wings with paper towels and then coat them in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Fry for around 10 minutes until crispy. Toss them immediately in a mix of melted butter, hot sauce, and taco seasoning for that authentic flavor.

Is there a secret to baking wings that taste similar to the Outback’s wings?

Yes, you can bake wings that taste just as good. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Marinate the wings in Coca-Cola for a few hours, then discard the marinade. Bake the wings on a lined baking sheet for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once baked, coat them in your favorite Kookaburra wing sauce.

What ingredients go into the Kookaburra wings sauce at Outback?

The main ingredients for the Outback Kookaburra wings sauce include melted butter, hot sauce, taco seasoning, and a packet of salad dressing mix. Mix these ingredients over medium heat for about 5 minutes until well combined. For extra heat, add more hot sauce or crushed red pepper.

How can I keep my homemade wings crispy, just like they do at Outback?

To keep your wings crispy, ensure they are dry before cooking. After frying or baking, place them on a wire rack rather than a plate. This helps prevent sogginess. For extra crispiness, you can double fry the wings. Alternatively, you can give them a quick bake in the oven at a high temperature after frying.

Can I prepare Outback-style wings in advance and freeze them for later?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze them.

Fry or bake the wings as usual, but do not coat them in sauce. Let them cool completely.

Then, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.

When ready to eat, reheat and toss in your Kookaburra wing sauce.