Oh my goodness, let me tell you why I absolutely adore these **Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings**! Every time I whip up a batch, it feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen. There’s something about the combination of crispy, golden wings paired with that luscious, spicy-sweet Korean BBQ sauce that just lights up my taste buds and fills my kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. Plus, it reminds me of those fun nights spent with friends gathered around the table, devouring wings and sharing laughs. Pure bliss, if you ask me!
These wings are a bit of a kitchen adventure, but trust me, it’s worth every minute! The crispy coating? Oh, it’s practically an invitation to dive in. And the sauce? Well, I can honestly say I have a love affair with gochujang – that fiery red pepper paste adds a depth of flavor that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds). Let’s dive into how to make these bad boys!
What’s in Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings?
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! I use about 2 pounds of fresh chicken wings. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for frying or baking.
All-Purpose Flour: One cup is all you need for that crispy coating. It helps give the wings that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Cornstarch: Just a teaspoon of this magic powder ensures extra crispiness. Trust me; it’s the key to getting that restaurant-style texture!
Baking Powder: This little ingredient helps the wings rise while they bake, giving them that light, crispy exterior.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic yet essential for flavor. A little seasoning goes a long way!
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These two add a depth of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Vegetable Oil: This is for frying, making the wings perfectly golden and crispy.
Gochujang: This Korean red pepper paste is what makes the sauce absolutely irresistible! It adds heat and a unique depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce: A quarter cup adds saltiness and umami flavor, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of honey.
Honey: Sweetness alert! This helps glaze the wings beautifully and adds a touch of caramelization.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy brightness to the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Minced garlic and grated ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic goodness.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash adds a nutty richness to the sauce.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: For garnish, these not only add visual appeal but also a burst of flavor to your wings!
Is Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Good for You?
So, let’s talk about whether this wingy goodness is guilt-inducing or guilt-free. These wings are packed with protein from the chicken, which is fantastic for muscle maintenance. The sweet and spicy sauce made with **gochujang** packs a punch of flavor without needing loads of extra sugar since we’re balancing it with **honey**. However, it’s important to note that due to the frying and the sauce, this dish does come with its fair share of calories. Enjoy it in moderation as a fun treat, especially on game nights or special occasions! It’s all about balance, right?
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
**Korean BBQ Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1-2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Makes about 4 servings, depending on how hungry you are!
How to Make Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top to let those wings crisp up beautifully.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **all-purpose flour**, **cornstarch**, **baking powder**, **salt**, **black pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **onion powder**. Mix this all up nicely.
3. Toss the chicken wings into the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny gets a touch of that crispy magic!
4. Spread the wings out on the wire rack and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for that lovely, crunchy coating to adhere.
5. While the wings are resting, let’s get that Korean BBQ sauce going! In a saucepan, combine **gochujang**, **soy sauce**, **honey**, **rice vinegar**, minced **garlic**, grated **ginger**, and **sesame oil**. Heat over medium heat until it simmers, stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens up slightly. Then, take it off the heat.
6. Once your oven is preheated, pop those wings in and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be crispy and golden brown!
7. In the last few minutes of baking, brush those wings generously with your homemade Korean BBQ sauce. Just look at them – yum!
8. Remove the wings from the oven and toss them in any remaining sauce if you want that extra flavor. Garnish with **sesame seeds** and sliced **green onions**.
9. Serve those beauties immediately and get ready to dig in!
Wing Wonders: Tips and Variations
– **Air Fryer Option**: If you have an air fryer, you can make these wings even healthier by air frying them! Just adjust the cooking time according to your air fryer instructions.
– **Spice it Up**: If you like your wings extra spicy, feel free to add more **gochujang** or even a sprinkle of chili flakes on top of the sauce.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Pair these wings with a side of pickled veggies or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the richness.
I promise you, once you try making these **Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings**, you won’t just have a recipe; you’ll have a tradition. I seriously can’t wait for you to take the plunge and whip up this flavor bomb at home. Please let me know how they turn out, I’d love to hear about your wing adventures! Happy cooking!
