Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! These crispy sesame chicken wings are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, or a fantastic appetizer for your next gathering. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers incredibly flavorful, crispy chicken wings that will have everyone asking for more. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats (tip: ask your butcher to do this!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Wings
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken wings and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably up to 2 hours. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they'll be!
Step 2: Prepare for Frying
Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve extra crispy skin. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately upon contact.
Step 3: Fry the Wings
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully place the chicken wings in the hot oil. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wings.
Step 4: Toss in Sesame Seeds
Once the chicken wings are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately toss the wings in the sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these delicious sesame chicken wings immediately while they are still crispy and hot. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy wings. Work in batches for best results.
- Pat the wings dry: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Use a thermometer: For even cooking, monitor the oil temperature with a deep-fry thermometer. Aim for around 350°F (175°C).
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Sesame Wings: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or gochujang to the marinade for extra heat.
- Honey Garlic Sesame Wings: Increase the honey to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Sesame Wings: Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to the marinade for a tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
These easy recipes make for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy this delicious dish, and remember to share your culinary creations with us! We'd love to see your homemade cooking masterpieces! This recipe is among the best recipes you'll find for a flavorful and satisfying meal.