Passport & Plate - Cola Chicken Recipe
Philippines | Friday, March 14, 2014 | 5 photos
Ingredients
Cola Chicken Recipe (Asian Style)
Salt & pepper
Onion & Garlic (chopped)
Cooking Oil 3 tablespoons
Cola (diet or regular coke) 1 1/2 cup
Soy sauce 4-5 tablespoons
Chicken (drumsticks) 5 pcs
Water 1/4 cup
***Garnish: Parsley or green onion
SERVES 3-4 PEOPLE
How to prepare this recipeStep 1
Prior to cooking, you may choose to marinate the chicken with some salt, pepper and lime. Set it aside for at least 30 minutes. (For people who are quite busy, I don’t think this is always needed as the coke mixture already provides enough taste.)
TIP: In order to cook the chicken fully, I usually poke some holes in them using a fork. Also, any part of the chicken can be used. I prefer drumsticks because my family loves it!
Step 2
Use around 4 tablespoons of oil and saute the onion and garlic. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
When the chicken is slightly browned, pour in the cola and soy sauce. Depending on the sweetness you desire, feel free to create a balance with the sauce by adding water, more soy sauce or more salt and pepper.
Step 4
Cover the pot and allow the chicken to cook/simmer in the sauce.
The liquid will cover the chicken halfway so you will need to flip it from time to time.
Step 5
Garnish with parsley or green onion
The story behind this recipeI was thrust into cooking when I got the opportunity to become a Masters Degree student abroad. Living alone in a new country each semester was challenging. I had to learn how to cook, clean and look after myself. International students like me were prone to homesickness and one thing that we really missed is our local food!
I learned about “Cola Chicken” from my Taiwanese friends because of our similar passion for home cooked meals and longs talks about Asia. The recipe had also been passed to them by friends. The Cola Chicken recipe was unique, budget friendly, and not a headache to cook-- which was great for students like us and it was also a perfect match for rice! Although you may find different cola recipes in the internet, what’s great about it is that it evolves. Sometimes I try it with different kinds of cola and the taste changes! I added my own special “Filipino” touch through experimentation. It’s amazing that students were able to pass it around through word of mouth. The dish looks quite dark and deceiving but after garnishing it with some greens, it comes to life. Its aroma is nice and sweet. The look of amazement on people's faces when I say that “Cola Chicken” is one of my specialties is priceless. They didn't think anyone could use cola for cooking!
I cooked this dish for my friend’s father who was a single parent. The look on his face when he saw and tasted the food is priceless. With this recipe, I learned that you don't need to be a chef to make people happy. I put a lot of heart into cooking for others and I'm glad it translated into the dish.
In a nutshell, I hope I am selected to experience the Italy through this wonderful program you have created: by meeting the people, experiencing the culture, and (best of all) eating great food. I hope that with the recipe I shared, I can motivate more people of all ages to cook for fun and to just create a happy environment.
