Korean hot wings are a delicious and spicy twist on traditional chicken wings, featuring a bold combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This recipe takes inspiration from Korean cuisine, using ingredients like gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, honey, and garlic to create a sticky and flavorful glaze. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a tasty appetizer, these Korean hot wings are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these irresistible wings!
Ingredients for Korean Hot Wings
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
How to Make Korean Hot Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Wings
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken wings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
- Transfer the fried wings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
- Place the fried wings in a large bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake the Wings
- Place the sauced wings back on the wire rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the wings from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve the Korean hot wings hot, and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are the star of this dish, providing a juicy and flavorful base for the spicy sauce. They are a popular choice for appetizers and can be easily found at most grocery stores or butcher shops.
Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that adds a rich, spicy flavor to the sauce. It also has a slightly sweet and savory taste, making it a key ingredient in many Korean dishes.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds a salty and umami-rich flavor to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the honey and the spiciness of the gochujang. It is a staple in Asian cooking and can be found in most supermarkets.
Honey
Honey provides a natural sweetness to the sauce, helping to balance out the heat from the gochujang. It also helps to create a sticky and caramelized glaze on the wings as they bake.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish. It also helps to tenderize the chicken wings as they marinate in the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger add aromatic depth to the sauce, complementing the other flavors and adding a fresh and vibrant element to the dish.
Sesame Oil and Seeds
Sesame oil and seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the wings. They are often used in Korean cuisine to add a finishing touch and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.
Conclusion
Korean hot wings are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of spicy gochujang, sweet honey, and savory soy sauce creates a sticky and delicious glaze that coats the crispy fried wings. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, these Korean hot wings are sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or serve them as a main course with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
