Traditional Korean Chicken Wings
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.
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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.
Traditional Korean Chicken Wings 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 Ideas for Traditional Korean Chicken Wings
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 This Traditional Korean Chicken Wings Works
- 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.