Soy Garlic Chicken Wings – Hungarian Chef

Soy Garlic Chicken Wings are an irresistible culinary treat commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly Korean. This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make it an all-time favorite for many. The wings are first seasoned, battered, and fried until golden and crispy. They’re then coated with a savory-sweet soy garlic sauce that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or not, these wings are sure to win your heart with their mouthwatering taste. Let’s learn how to make it!

What are Soy Garlic Chicken Wings?

Soy Garlic Chicken Wings is a dish that marries the juiciness of chicken wings with the rich, umami flavor of soy sauce and the pungent, spicy kick of garlic. It’s a popular appetizer or main course in many Asian cultures, and it’s known for its beautiful balance of flavors. The chicken wings are typically deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior before being tossed in a soy garlic sauce, resulting in a dish that’s packed full of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Soy Garlic Chicken Wings?

There’s much to love about Soy Garlic Chicken Wings. For starters, they’re incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. Plus, the wings are fried to perfection, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite. The sweet and savory soy garlic glaze is the cherry on top, making these wings addictive to eat. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick dinner, they’re sure to be a hit.

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How Does It Taste Like?

The taste of Soy Garlic Chicken Wings is truly something to savor. The wings themselves have a juicy, tender interior and a crispy exterior. The soy garlic sauce brings a balance of flavors – the saltiness from the soy sauce, the sweetness from the honey, and a hint of spice from the garlic and ginger. There’s also a subtle nuttiness from the sesame oil. All these flavors combined create a mouthwatering experience that’s savory, sweet, and slightly spicy – a taste sensation that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients 

Chicken:

1. Chicken Wings: The main protein source and the star of the dish. Chicken wings have a perfect balance of meat, fat, and skin, which results in a juicy and flavorful bite when cooked properly.
2. Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying the chicken wings. It has a high smoking point, making it suitable for deep frying without burning or smoking too much.
3. Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken. It enhances the flavor of the chicken and helps to tenderize it.
4. Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. It’s a common seasoning in many cuisines, adding depth to the dish.
5. Grated Ginger: Ginger brings a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and fragrance to the dish. It pairs well with garlic and gives a refreshing lift to the fried chicken wings.
6. Mirin: A type of rice wine, mirin adds sweetness and creates a glaze-like finish on the chicken wings. It also helps to balance out the salty soy sauce in the sauce.

Dry Batter:

7. Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used in the batter to give the chicken wings a crispy exterior. It lightens the batter and makes it more crunchy compared to using just all-purpose flour.

Soy Garlic Sauce:

8. Toasted Sesame Oil: This oil has a strong nutty flavor. It’s usually used sparingly for its intense flavor and aroma, adding a distinct taste to the sauce.
9. Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in the sauce, providing a savory, umami flavor and a dark color.
10. White Pepper: White pepper gives a subtle heat to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.
11. Water: Water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
12. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. It also contributes to a thicker, more syrupy sauce consistency.
13. Honey: Honey adds a touch of floral sweetness to the sauce and creates a nice glossy finish on the chicken wings when they’re coated.

Cornstarch Slurry:

14. Water and Cornstarch: This combination is used to thicken the sauce. The cornstarch slurry gives the sauce a glossy finish and a thicker consistency that clings better to the chicken wings.

Garnish:

15. Toasted Sesame Seeds: These add a nutty crunch and an attractive finish to the dish.
16. Sliced Green Onion: Green onions provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the dish. They also add a pop of color for presentation.

Step by Step Directions 

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Wings

• Begin by rinsing the chicken wings and patting them dry with paper towels. This ensures they are clean and ready for marination.

Step 2: Creating the Marinade

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: salt, garlic, ginger, and Mirin. Thoroughly mix these components to create a flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Marinating the Chicken Wings

• Add the chicken wings to the marinade mixture and make sure they are coated evenly with the marinade. This step imparts flavor to the chicken.

Step 4: Marination Time

• Allow the chicken wings to marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This marinating period lets the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 5: Preparing the Dry Batter

• In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour to create a dry batter. This will provide a crispy coating for the chicken wings.

Step 6: Coating the Chicken Wings

• Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and coat them thoroughly in the dry batter mixture. This step prepares them for frying.

Step 7: Heating the Oil

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot and ready for frying.

Step 8: Frying the Chicken Wings

Carefully place the coated chicken wings into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked inside.

Step 9: Preparing the Soy Garlic Sauce

• While the chicken wings are frying, prepare the soy garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, water, brown sugar, and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10: Creating the Cornstarch Slurry

• In a separate small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to create a cornstarch slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce.

Step 11: Thickening the Sauce

• Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until it thickens into a glossy consistency.

Step 12: Draining and Coating the Chicken Wings

• Once the chicken wings are fully cooked, remove them from the oil and allow them to drain on a paper towel.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken wings with the prepared soy garlic sauce until they are fully coated.

Step 13: Garnishing and Serving

• Transfer the coated chicken wings to a serving dish.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish.
• Serve the soy garlic chicken wings hot and enjoy this delicious dish

Tips 

• For an extra crispy exterior, double-coat the chicken wings in the dry batter before frying.
• To prevent oil splatters while frying, make sure the chicken wings are fully dried after marinating before coating them in the dry batter.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken wings. This can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy wings.
• Serve the chicken wings immediately after coating them with the sauce to maintain their crispiness.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, ginger, and other seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Nutrition Information 

How to store soy garlic chicken wings?

Any leftover chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. To freeze, allow the chicken wings to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer after defrosting for best results.

What other substitute can I use for soy garlic chicken wings? 

• Instead of chicken wings, you can use other bone-in cuts of chicken such as drumsticks or thighs.
• For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Coat them in the same marinade and batter before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add some sriracha or chili flakes to the soy garlic sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other parts of chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can. While chicken wings are traditionally used, you can substitute them with chicken thighs or drumsticks. However, you might need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.
2. Can I bake the wings instead of frying?
   Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. You can bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re fully cooked and crispy.
3. How can I make the soy garlic sauce less salty?
   If you find the soy garlic sauce too salty, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce or use a low-sodium version. You could also increase the amount of honey or brown sugar to balance out the saltiness.
4. Can I prepare Soy Garlic Chicken Wings in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken by marinating and storing it in the refrigerator overnight. The sauce can also be made in advance and heated up when needed. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce just before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soy garlic chicken wings are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory, garlicky flavors with a touch of sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser. With some simple ingredients and step-by-step directions, you can make this restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home. You can also customize the recipe to your liking and enjoy these crispy, flavorful chicken wings with family and friends.

So, next time you’re craving some Asian-inspired flavors, give this recipe a try and impress your taste buds! Also, share your results and tips in the comments below.

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