Honey-Ginger Korean Chicken Wings

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet honey and spicy ginger for a flavor-packed punch.
  • Marinated to perfection for extra juicy and tender wings.
  • Great for gatherings — they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  • Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp Korean red pepper flakes
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Ingredients Explained

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy wings, let them sit for a few minutes after dredging to allow the coating to adhere better before frying.
  • If you prefer baking, place the dredged wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Adjust the amount of Korean red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.

Detailed Instructions

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!

Simplified Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, Korean red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar to create the marinade.
2. Toss the chicken wings in the marinade, ensuring even coating, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated wings in the flour mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the wings until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per side.
5. Drain the wings on paper towels and drizzle with remaining marinade.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate well.
What if I can't find Korean red pepper flakes?
You can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit of gochujang for a similar spicy kick.

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