Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
650 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Description
The wings are separated into drumettes and wingettes, then marinated for at least an hour in minced garlic, fresh ginger, salt, and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. The gochujang sauce combines Korean chili paste with tomato paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice, simmered until sugars dissolve, delivering a complex sweet, spicy, and umami-rich glaze.
After marinating, the wings are tossed in cornstarch to achieve a crispy coating and deep-fried at 350°F until golden and crunchy. The fried wings are then coated in the prepared sauce, imparting a sticky, bold flavor. Garnishes of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions add nuttiness and freshness.
This recipe can be adapted for air fryer cooking by replacing cornstarch with baking powder and cooking wings at 400°F, flipping halfway, which reduces oil usage. The sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated up to a week, allowing for preparation in advance. The dish suits dairy-free and gluten-free diets when tamari is used instead of soy sauce.
Ingredients
For the chicken wings
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- vegetable oil for frying, mild
For the gochujang sauce
- 1/4 cup gochujang store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste store-bought or homemade
- 5 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted
- 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
To serve
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the chicken wings
- Separate the chicken wings, if whole, into the drumette, wingette (or flat), and tip. Discard tips.
- Add the chicken wings, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper to a large bowl, and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
Make the gochujang sauce
- While the wings marinate, prepare the gochujang sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the gochujang, tomato paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice until all the ingredients are incorporated, and the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Let the wings sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then toss with the cornstarch. Meanwhile, pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep cast-iron pan to reach 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the side of the pan.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (177°C) and, working in batches, shake off any excess cornstarch and fry the chicken wings, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over and cooked through, 6 to 10 minutes. Move to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Allow the oil to return to temperature before cooking the remaining batches.
- To serve, reheat the sauce, if necessary, and toss with the freshly fried chicken wings. Serve topped with sesame seeds and scallions.
Notes
- Marinate wings up to 24 hours in advance to deepen flavor.
- The gochujang sauce can be prepared up to one week ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Use the air fryer method by replacing cornstarch with baking powder, cooking wings at 400°F for about 10 minutes per side, flipping and spritzing with oil once.
- This recipe is suitable for dairy-free and gluten-free diets; use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 650 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 650kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 1055mg | 44% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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