Get ready to elevate your wing game with these Honey-Ginger Korean Chicken Wings! This recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, making it an irresistible snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a game night or simply craving something special, these wings are sure to impress.
The star of our show is obviously the chicken wings. They are the perfect canvas for absorbing our bold flavors. The honey adds a beautiful sweetness that caramelizes during cooking, giving the wings a sticky, finger-licking glaze. Soy sauce brings in that essential umami depth, perfectly complemented by the fresh zing of grated ginger and the aromatic minced garlic. A touch of sesame oil imparts a nutty aroma, while Korean red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. We balance it all with a splash of rice vinegar for acidity. To achieve that crispy coating, the wings are dredged in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Finish it all off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and vibrant green onions for garnish.
Start by mixing the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, Korean red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar. Give it a good stir until it's well combined.
Next, toss your chicken wings in the marinade, ensuring each one is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This lets the flavors really soak into the meat, making for juicy, flavorful wings.
While the wings are marinating, prepare your dredging mixture. In another bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. After the wings have marinated, take them out and dredge each one in this flour mixture, ensuring they are lightly but evenly coated.
Now, it's frying time! In a large skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the wings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them until they're golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per side. Once they're done, drain them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Finally, drizzle the wings with any remaining marinade for an extra kick of flavor. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions just before serving. And there you have it — delicious Honey-Ginger Korean Chicken Wings ready to enjoy!
These wings pair beautifully with a side of steamed rice and some sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. If you're going for a snack spread, serve them alongside some pickled radishes or kimchi to cut through the richness. A cool, crisp beer or a light, sparkling soda makes a perfect beverage pairing.