Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner? Look no further! These Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are the perfect solution. Crispy, savory, and addictive, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish with surprisingly simple homemade cooking techniques. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meal game!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra aroma)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve extra crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and five-spice powder until evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Wings
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a pinch of cornstarch should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken wings in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. If necessary, fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add Sesame Oil (Optional)
If using, stir in the sesame oil during the last minute of frying. This adds a lovely fragrance and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken wings from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. These delicious wings are fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy wings instead of crispy ones. Work in batches if necessary.
- Dry the wings thoroughly: This is key to achieving extra crispy skin.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and five-spice powder to your preference.
- Use high-quality oil: A good quality oil with a high smoke point is recommended for frying.
Variations:
- Spicy Wings: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Wings: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the seasoning mixture for extra flavor.
- Ginger Wings: Add 1 tbsp grated ginger to the seasoning mixture for a fragrant twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise details.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, or a delicious appetizer for any occasion. The best recipes are often the simplest, and these salt and pepper chicken wings are a perfect example of that. Enjoy!