Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings

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Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings are a delightful treat that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a backyard barbecue, or simply want to impress your family with a tasty snack, these wings are the perfect choice! The combination of the marinade and the crispy coating creates a dish that has become a favorite in many homes. Moreover, they are quite easy to make and are sure to please even your pickiest eaters. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. You can customize the seasoning to your liking or dip them in your favorite sauces. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish, Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings will surely satisfy your cravings.

How to Make Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings

Now, let’s dive into the preparation of these delicious wings. Following the steps carefully will help you achieve the crispy texture that makes this dish truly special. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need:

2 pounds Chicken Wings (Separated into drums and flats)
1 large Egg
3 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (Substitute with soy sauce for vegetarian option)
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Use low-sodium if desired)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon White Pepper (Black pepper can be used as a substitute)
Oil for frying (Vegetable or peanut oil recommended)
1 cup All-purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
1/2 cup Cornstarch (Rice flour can be used as an optional substitute)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (No substitutions here)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken Wings: Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water. Once washed, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the wings become crispy when fried.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix them well until the wings are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Mixing these together will create a light and crispy coating for the wings. Ensure that there are no lumps in the mixture.
Beat the Egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg until it’s well mixed. This will help the flour mixture stick to the wings better.
Coat Each Wing: Take each marinated wing and dip it into the beaten egg first. Allow any excess egg to drip off before rolling it in the flour mixture. Make sure each wing is thoroughly coated. This step is key to achieving that crunchy, crispy texture.
Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat enough oil to cover the wings, to about 350°F (175°C). You can use a frying thermometer to ensure the right temperature. If you don’t have one, you can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s time to fry!
Fry the Wings: Carefully place the coated wings into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the wings for about 8-10 minutes, turning them once or twice, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain the Wings: Once cooked, carefully remove the wings from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will help remove any excess oil and keep them crispy.
Serve Hot: Enjoy your Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings while they’re hot! You can serve them on a platter with a side of dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a homemade spicy garlic sauce.

How to Serve Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings

Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings are best served immediately after frying. This ensures they maintain their crispiness and delicious flavor. Here are some serving suggestions:

As an Appetizer: Arrange the wings on a large platter and serve them before the main meal. They make a fantastic finger food for parties or family gatherings.
With Dipping Sauces: Provide a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy. Sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, or even ranch dressing pairs well with the savory flavor of the wings.
Garnish: Consider garnishing the wings with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and a pop of color. This can also enhance the dish’s presentation.
Accompanied by Side Dishes: Serve the wings alongside fried rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a more filling meal.
With Drinks: Pair the wings with beers, cocktails, or refreshing sodas that complement their flavors.

How to Store Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings

If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe because they’re so delicious), storing them properly is essential to keep them fresh for the next day:

Refrigeration: Allow the wings to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing your wings. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat the wings and maintain their crispy texture:

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to reheat leftover wings while keeping them crispy. Heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: While not recommended for preserving crispiness, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the wings for about 1-2 minutes. They won’t be crispy, but they will be warm.

Tips to Make Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your wings turn out perfectly crispy every time:

Dry the Wings: Make sure to pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry before marinating. Any moisture on the wings can prevent them from getting crispy when fried.
Marination Time: The longer you let the wings marinate, the more flavorful they will be. If possible, marinate them overnight.
Correct Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key to crispy wings. If the oil is too cool, the wings will absorb too much oil and become greasy; if too hot, they can burn before the inside is cooked.
Don’t Overcrowd: When frying, do it in batches. Placing too many wings in the oil at once can lower the oil’s temperature, affecting how crispy the wings turn out.
Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the coating mixture is what gives these wings their light and crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
Consider Adding Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices in the marinade or coating according to your preference. Adding paprika or cayenne can give the wings a flavorful spicy kick.

Variation (If Any)

You can make several variations to this base recipe to suit your taste:

Sweet and Spicy: Add honey and Sriracha to the marinade for a sweet-and-spicy version that adds an exciting twist to the wings. Honey will caramelize while cooking, giving the wings a beautiful glaze.
Garlic Parmesan: After frying, toss the wings with melted butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese along with some minced garlic for a rich flavor.
Thai-Inspired: Add some lime juice and fresh herbs like cilantro to the marinade to give them a Thai twist. Serve with a spicy peanut sauce for dipping.
Buffalo Style: After frying, toss the wings in your favorite buffalo sauce for a spicy alternative. This can bring a whole new flavor profile to your crispy wings.

FAQs

Can I bake these wings instead of frying?
Yes! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the wings. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated wings on a baking rack (to allow airflow) on a baking sheet, and bake for about 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but it’s important to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?
Many sauces complement Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings well, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or blue cheese sauce.
Are these wings gluten-free?
To make gluten-free wings, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wings ahead of time and marinate them. Cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. However, it’s best to fry them fresh for the best texture.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to making deliciously crispy Chinese chicken wings that will delight your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking adventure and don’t forget to share these tasty wings with others!