Traditional Korean Chicken Wings

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking to bring a taste of Korea into your home, these Traditional Korean Chicken Wings are just the ticket. They combine sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into one finger-licking dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients for Traditional Korean Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are the star of this dish, providing a juicy, tender base for the flavorful marinade. Soy sauce adds a deep umami flavor, while gochujang, a Korean chili paste, brings in the heat with a touch of sweetness. Honey balances out the spice and helps create a sticky glaze. Sesame oil introduces a nutty aroma, and rice vinegar adds a hint of tanginess. Garlic and ginger are aromatic powerhouses that enhance the overall flavor profile. Green onions provide a fresh finish, and toasted sesame seeds add a bit of crunch. A touch of black pepper rounds out the marinade with a subtle kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • Letting the wings marinate overnight will intensify the flavors.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor — it makes a big difference.
  • If you like it extra spicy, add a bit more gochujang to the marinade.
  • To make cleanup easier, use foil or parchment paper on your baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

These wings pair beautifully with a side of steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad. For a more traditional Korean experience, serve them with kimchi or pickled radishes. A cool, crisp beer or a glass of iced tea complements the heat nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chicken?
While this recipe is designed for wings, you could use drumsticks or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I can't find gochujang?
Gochujang is pretty unique, but in a pinch, you can substitute with a mix of sriracha and a bit of sugar.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.

Traditional Korean Chicken Wings Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine your soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a nice, smooth marinade.

Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them around until they’re well coated. Make sure each piece gets a good amount of that delicious marinade. Once they’re all coated, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let the wings marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal if you want maximum flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then arrange the wings on the sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 30-35 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure even cooking.

While the wings are in the oven, take a small pan and toast the sesame seeds over medium heat. This should only take about 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the wings are cooked through and have a nice crispy skin, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with the sliced green onions and your toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
  • Simple, straightforward ingredients that pack a punch.
  • Great for game days, parties, or a special dinner.
  • Can be prepped ahead to save time on busy days.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
4. Arrange marinated wings on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through.
5. While baking, toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Once wings are cooked through and crispy, remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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