Go Back
+ servings

Fried Chicken Wings in Asian Hot Sauce (Crispy Even When Chilled!)

5 from 3 votes
This recipe is slightly adapted from Korean Fried Chicken Wings by America's Test Kitchen Cooking School.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 4 to 6
Author: Maggie Zhu

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) chicken wings

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic , minced (approx. 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger , grated
  • 3 tablespoons agave syrup (or sugar) (*Footnote)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons Gochujang (or Sriracha sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free alternative)

Deep fry

  • 8 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Microwave until the mixture is bubbly and the herbs are fragrant but not browned, 40 to 60 seconds.
  • Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water (*Footnote 1), syrup (or sugar), Gochujang (or Sriracha), and soy sauce until smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a 6-quart dutch oven (or heavy duty pot) over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F (176°C). Place a cooling rack over a large baking sheet.
  • Whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch and 1 and 1/2 cup water in a large bowl until it forms a smooth, runny batter. Add half of the wings. Toss to coat evenly.
  • When the oil is ready, carefully add the wings using a pair of tongs. Turn to medium-high heat. Let cook for a minute to allow the batter to set. Then stir occasionally to prevent the wings from sticking. Fry until the coating is light golden, about 7 minutes. Transfer wings to the cooling rack.
  • Wait until the oil returns to 350°F (176°C). Cook the remaining wings using the same method.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
  • Return all the wings back to the oil. Arrange them so they are submerged in the oil. Stir occasionally and fry until deep golden brown and very crispy, about 7 minutes. Transfer the wings to the cooling rack and leave to rest for 2 minutes.
  • Transfer the wings to the big bowl with the sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated. Return the wings to the rack and leave to rest for 2 minutes, until the coating sets.
  • Serve on a platter as an appetizer, or as a main dish over steamed rice and slaw.

Notes

  1. The original recipe calls for 1/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 3 tablespoons Gochujang. I prefer using syrup because it produces a more consistent texture. In this case, only add 3 tablespoons water. If you use Sriracha sauce instead of Gochujang, only add 2 tablespoons water.