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Sweet Korean Chicken Wings Recipe

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Sweet Korean chicken wings combine crispy fried exteriors with sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that creates addictive flavor balance perfect for game day gatherings or weeknight dinners. This Korean-inspired recipe features gochujang, the fermented chili paste that provides signature heat and depth, balanced with honey and soy sauce for complex sweet-savory profile. The key to exceptional Korean wings lies in achieving ultra-crispy skin through proper preparation, then coating with glossy sauce that clings without making wings soggy.

Ingredients and How to Make Sweet Korean Chicken Wings

how to make sweet korean chicken wings

Essential Ingredients

For Chicken Wings (Serves 4-6):

  • 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 quarts)

For Korean Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional)

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Wing preparation (15 minutes plus drying time):

  1. Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels
  2. Place wings on wire rack over baking sheet
  3. Refrigerate uncovered 2-4 hours or overnight for extra-crispy skin
  4. This drying step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness
  5. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking

Coating process:

  1. Combine cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in large bowl
  2. Toss wings in mixture until evenly coated
  3. Shake off excess coating and let rest 10 minutes
  4. This allows coating to absorb moisture and adhere better

Frying method (25-30 minutes):

  1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in large heavy pot or deep fryer
  2. Fry wings in batches of 6-8 pieces, avoid overcrowding
  3. Cook 10-12 minutes per batch until golden and crispy
  4. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)
  5. Transfer to wire rack to drain, not paper towels
  6. Let rest while preparing sauce

Sauce preparation and coating:

  1. Combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in saucepan
  2. Whisk over medium heat until smooth and sugar dissolves
  3. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened
  4. Remove from heat and add gochugaru if using
  5. Toss fried wings in sauce until completely coated
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions immediately
  7. Serve hot while coating remains glossy

Alternative Cooking Methods for Sweet Korean Chicken Wings

sweet korean chicken wings cooking methods

Oven-baked version: Bake coated wings on wire rack at 425°F for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through. Won’t be quite as crispy as fried but significantly healthier option.

Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking basket every 10 minutes. Produces excellent crispiness with minimal oil, ideal for smaller batches.

Double-frying technique: Fry wings once at 325°F for 10 minutes, rest 10 minutes, then fry again at 375°F for 8 minutes. Creates ultimate crispiness but requires more time and effort.

Grilling option: Grill pre-cooked or parboiled wings over medium-high heat, brushing with sauce during final minutes for smoky variation.

Conclusion

Sweet Korean chicken wings deliver restaurant-quality results through proper preparation techniques and authentic flavor combinations. Success depends on achieving ultra-crispy skin through drying and proper frying, then coating with perfectly balanced gochujang-based sauce that provides signature sweet-spicy profile. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these wings satisfy cravings for Korean flavors while offering impressive party food that disappears quickly. Master the basic recipe then explore variations that customize heat levels and flavor profiles to match personal preferences.

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