Hello, food enthusiasts! Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite recipes that never fails to satisfy my cravings – soy garlic chicken wings.
From the savory sauce to the perfectly crispy wings, this dish is a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more. Join me on a culinary journey as we explore the world of soy garlic chicken wings!
What is soy garlic chicken wings?
Soy garlic chicken wings are a popular Korean-inspired American, asian dish that features tender, juicy chicken wings coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other delicious ingredients.
These wings are typically fried until crispy and then tossed in the irresistible soy garlic sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
How Does It Taste Like?
The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey in the sauce gives these chicken wings a rich umami flavor with a hint of sweetness and a kick of garlic.
The wings themselves are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making each bite a delightful experience for your palate. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This:
There are countless reasons to love soy garlic chicken wings. Not only are they incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but they are also surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply craving a delicious meal, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Plus, you can customize the level of sweetness or spiciness to suit your taste preferences, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
For the sauce:
Brown sugar: adds a rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked, imparting depth and complexity to the sauce. It balances out the salty and savory elements, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Honey: contributes a natural sweetness that complements the brown sugar, adding a subtle floral note to the sauce. It also helps to thicken the sauce slightly, giving it a glossy finish and enhancing its clinginess to the chicken wings.
Soy sauce: forms the base of the sauce, providing a savory umami flavor that serves as the backbone of the dish. Its salty depth enhances the other ingredients and adds complexity to the overall taste.
Garlic cloves: bring a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce, infusing it with a delicious garlic essence that permeates every bite of the chicken wings. Their savory quality balances the sweetness of the sugar and honey, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
Grated ginger: adds a bright, zesty kick to the sauce, with its spicy and slightly floral notes complementing the other flavors. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce, elevating its complexity and making each bite more vibrant and exciting.
White pepper: lends a subtle heat to the sauce, providing a gentle kick that lingers on the palate. Its warmth enhances the other flavors without overpowering them, adding depth and dimension to the overall taste profile.
Toasted sesame oil: contributes a nutty richness and depth of flavor to the sauce, with its intense aroma enhancing the savory and sweet elements. It adds a distinctive Asian flair to the dish, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Water: helps to adjust the consistency of the sauce, ensuring that it’s not too thick or too thin. It helps to bind the ingredients together and allows the flavors to meld, creating a cohesive and luscious sauce that coats the chicken wings beautifully.
For the chicken:
Chicken wings: with their juicy meat and crispy skin, are the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce. They absorb the marinade beautifully, becoming tender and succulent when cooked, while also developing a delightful crispiness when fried.
Avocado oil: is used for cooking the chicken wings, providing a high smoke point and neutral flavor that allows the natural taste of the chicken to shine through. It also helps to achieve that perfect golden brown crust on the outside of the wings.
Minced garlic: and finely grated ginger are used to marinate the chicken wings, infusing them with even more flavor before they’re cooked. Their aromatic qualities enhance the overall taste of the dish, making each bite more delicious and satisfying.
Rice cooking wine or mirin: adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the marinade, tenderizing the chicken wings and imparting a delicate complexity to their taste. It also helps to balance out the savory and umami elements, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: season the chicken wings, enhancing their natural taste and ensuring that they’re perfectly seasoned throughout. They add depth and dimension to the dish, making each bite more flavorful and enjoyable.
For the dry batter:
Cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or potato starch: is used to coat the chicken wings before frying, creating a light and crispy exterior that seals in the juices and flavor. It adds texture and crunch to the wings, making them irresistibly delicious and satisfying to eat.
For the cornstarch slurry:
Cornstarch and water are combined to create a thickening agent that helps to bind the sauce together and give it a glossy sheen. It adds body and richness to the sauce, ensuring that it clings to the chicken wings and coats them evenly.
For garnish:
Green onion and toasted sesame seeds: add a pop of color and texture to the finished dish, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a fresh, aromatic contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken wings. They add brightness and complexity to the overall presentation, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
Step by Step Directions:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Begin by preparing the chicken wings. Take the drumettes and wingtips removed chicken wings, and using paper towels, pat them dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure they crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine avocado oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice cooking wine mirin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the wings are evenly coated with this flavorful marinade.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, prepare the dry batter. You can choose between cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or potato starch. Season the batter with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
Dip each chicken wing into the dry batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour mixture before placing them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Once all the wings are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the wings are crispy and golden brown, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 7:
While the wings are baking, prepare the soy garlic sauce. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger, white pepper, toasted sesame oil, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 8:
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 9:
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools down.
Step 10:
When the chicken wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 11:
Pour the cooled soy garlic sauce over the baked chicken wings. Use tongs to toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 12:
Place the sauced wings back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and adhere to the wings.
Step 13:
Once done, remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 14:
Serve your homemade soy garlic chicken wings hot and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, flavorful wings with the sweet and savory sauce!
Tips:
– Marinate the chicken wings for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
– Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
– Use cornstarch for a lighter, crispier coating on the wings.
– Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
– For an extra kick, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce before tossing the wings.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 4
Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 26g
How Do You Store This Soy Garlic Chicken Wings?
To store leftover soy garlic chicken wings, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate the wings for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
What other substitute can you use in soy garlic chicken wings?
1. Boneless chicken thighs: You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken wings for a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
2. Tofu: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of soy garlic wings.
3. Shrimp: Try making soy garlic shrimp by following the same recipe with shrimp as the main protein.
4. Cauliflower: For a healthier option, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.
5. Pork belly: Swap out chicken for pork belly to create a rich and indulgent version of soy garlic wings.
Soy garlic chicken wings
Ingredients
SAUCE
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
CHICKEN
- 2 pounds tips removed and drumettes separated chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon finely grated ginger
- 2 tablespoon rice cooking wine mirin
- salt and pepper to taste
Dry Batter
- 1 ½ cup cornstarch or all purpose flour or potato starch
- Cornstarch Slurry
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon water
Garnish
- 2 stalks green onion sliced
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
- Begin by preparing the chicken wings. Take the drumettes and wingtips removed chicken wings, and using paper towels, pat them dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure they crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine avocado oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice cooking wine mirin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the wings are evenly coated with this flavorful marinade.
Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, prepare the dry batter. You can choose between cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or potato starch. Season the batter with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
- Dip each chicken wing into the dry batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour mixture before placing them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
- Once all the wings are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the wings are crispy and golden brown, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 7:
- While the wings are baking, prepare the soy garlic sauce. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger, white pepper, toasted sesame oil, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 8:
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 9:
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools down.
Step 10:
- When the chicken wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 11:
- Pour the cooled soy garlic sauce over the baked chicken wings. Use tongs to toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 12:
- Place the sauced wings back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and adhere to the wings.
Step 13:
- Once done, remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 14:
- Serve your homemade soy garlic chicken wings hot and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, flavorful wings with the sweet and savory sauce!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I bake the chicken wings instead of frying them?
Absolutely! To bake the chicken wings, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the coated wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
2. Is mirin necessary in the sauce?
While mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. You can increase the amount of honey or add a splash of rice vinegar as a substitute.
3. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option?
Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish without compromising on flavor. Adjust the salt levels accordingly to suit your taste preferences.
4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add a spicy kick to the soy garlic sauce, you can incorporate chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. Taste and adjust the heat level to your liking.
5. Can I make a larger batch of soy garlic sauce and store it for later use?
Certainly! The soy garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Simply reheat the sauce before tossing it with freshly cooked chicken wings.
6. Are soy garlic chicken wings suitable for meal prep?
Soy garlic chicken wings are perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken in advance, fry them when ready to eat, and toss them in the sauce for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, soy garlic chicken wings are a culinary delight that captures the essence of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in every bite. With a perfect balance of crispy texture and saucy goodness, these wings are a surefire way to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or simply looking for a delicious dish to add to your repertoire, soy garlic chicken wings are a must-try recipe that will leave you craving more.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of soy garlic chicken wings. Happy cooking!
