These crispy Korean BBQ chicken wings are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making them a standout dish for any occasion. The wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both sticky and tangy.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or as a main dish, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The sesame seeds and green onions add a touch of freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile. With a little kick from the gochujang and a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar, these wings offer an authentic Korean BBQ experience right in your own kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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10 chicken wings
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, minced
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
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In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until well-coated.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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While the wings are frying, prepare the sauce by combining sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove the wings from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Toss the crispy wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
History and Influence of Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ has become a global sensation in recent years, with its rich flavors and unique approach to grilling. Traditional Korean BBQ involves grilling meats at the table, accompanied by various side dishes known as banchan. These dishes often include kimchi, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice, providing a perfect balance to the grilled meats. The addition of spicy and sweet sauces, such as gochujang, further enhances the flavors of the meats, making Korean BBQ a memorable dining experience.
The Korean BBQ style has influenced many recipes around the world, including these chicken wings. The use of gochujang, a fermented chili paste, brings a level of depth to the sauce that is both spicy and sweet. This balance is what makes Korean BBQ so appealing, offering a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
The Perfect Marinade
The marinade is where the magic happens. Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice vinegar come together to create a rich and savory marinade that infuses the wings with flavor. Gochujang adds heat and umami, while brown sugar provides a subtle sweetness. Soy sauce brings in that deep, salty flavor, and rice vinegar adds a touch of tang to balance out the sweetness. Together, these ingredients create a marinade that makes the wings juicy and packed with flavor, ensuring that each bite is a burst of taste.
While an hour of marinating is usually enough to let the wings soak up all the flavors, you can marinate them for longer (even overnight) if you want a more intense flavor. Just make sure to store them properly in a resealable bag or covered bowl in the refrigerator. The longer the wings sit in the marinade, the more flavorful they become.
Grilling and Baking: Which Method to Choose?
One of the great things about this recipe is the flexibility it offers in terms of cooking methods. If you’re in the mood for grilling, you can fire up the grill and cook the wings over medium heat. Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the wings that enhances the overall dish. The crispy skin, combined with the tangy sauce, creates a delicious combination that’s hard to beat.
If you don’t have a grill or prefer a simpler method, you can bake the wings in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the wings, until they are golden brown and crispy. No need to flip them halfway through, just let them cook until they’re perfectly crispy and cooked through.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quicker option, the air fryer is a great choice. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the wings for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a crispy, flavorful wing with less oil than traditional frying.
Making the Sauce
The marinade that the wings sit in doubles as the sauce for the dish. After the wings are cooked, you’ll need to reduce the marinade on the stove until it thickens slightly. This step is crucial because it removes any bacteria that may have been transferred from the raw chicken, while also concentrating the flavors to create a rich, sticky sauce.
Simply bring the marinade to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the sauce is ready, brush it generously over the crispy wings. The glaze will give the wings a shiny, sticky coating that’s packed with flavor.
Garnishing and Serving
The final step is to garnish the wings with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The sesame seeds add a lovely crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy sauce. The garnish not only enhances the flavor but also makes the wings look more visually appealing.
Serve the wings immediately after garnishing, and don’t forget to have plenty of napkins on hand – these wings are messy in the best possible way. They pair wonderfully with a cold beer, a refreshing cocktail, or even a simple side of chips and dip. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad, steamed rice, or pickled vegetables to balance out the richness of the wings.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your crispy Korean BBQ chicken wings turn out perfectly, here are some tips:
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Break down the wings yourself: If you want to save a little money, buy whole chicken wings and break them down into flats and drumettes yourself. It’s a quick process that will save you a few dollars per pound, and it only takes a few minutes.
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Marinate for longer: While an hour of marinating is sufficient, marinating the wings overnight will give them a more intense flavor.
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Reheat properly: If you have leftovers, the best way to reheat the wings is in the oven. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through and crispy again.
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Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the wings are fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The wings should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
Conclusion
Crispy Korean BBQ chicken wings are the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard party, preparing a meal for game day, or simply craving something delicious, these wings deliver on all fronts. The balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors, combined with the crispy texture of the wings, makes them irresistible. With a few simple ingredients and cooking methods, you can enjoy a taste of Korean BBQ in the comfort of your own home.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit your preferences, whether you choose to grill, bake, or air fry the wings. Plus, the sauce can be customized to your liking – make it as spicy or sweet as you want. No matter how you cook them, these wings are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So, fire up the grill (or oven), marinate the wings, and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful dishes you’ll ever make!