Introduction
Chicken wings are a beloved dish around the world, known for their crispy exterior and flavor-packed meat. This recipe features a savory and slightly sweet marinade that infuses the wings with rich flavors, making them perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps necessary for creating these delicious baked chicken wings!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1.5 kg (3 lb) chicken wings, cut into drumettes and wingettes
Marinade:
– 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine; substitute with Mirin or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons light or all-purpose soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
– 1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek (adjust spiciness to taste)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
– 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
Garnishes (optional):
– Finely sliced shallots/scallions
– Sesame seeds
– Coriander/cilantro leaves
– Finely sliced fresh chili
Prep Time
10 minutes (but marinate for no longer than 1 hour)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
Yield: Serves approximately 4
This recipe will lead you to perfectly baked chicken wings that are sure to impress! Enjoy your meal with the added optional garnishes for a touch of freshness and crunch.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Marinade
In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
Marinate Chicken Wings
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the marinade. Let them marinate for 10 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour to prevent them from becoming too salty.
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare Baking Tray
Line a baking tray with foil and then place greaseproof paper on top.
Arrange Chicken Wings
Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, but reserve the marinade. Arrange the wings on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Bake the Wings
Bake the wings for 45 to 50 minutes, basting them with the reserved marinade and tray juices at the 25-minute and 35-minute marks.
Check Completeness
The wings are done when the meat pulls away from the bone easily, the edges are starting to char, and they have a sticky, dark red/golden color.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with optional garnishes such as coriander leaves, sesame seeds, sliced chili, and shallots/scallions before serving.
Notes
Marinating Time
Do not marinate for more than 1 hour to prevent the wings from becoming too salty.
Spice Adjustment
Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek to control the spiciness to your taste.
Oven Preparation
Ensure the baking tray is prepared properly with foil and greaseproof paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Cooking Completion
Make sure to check the wings for doneness by ensuring the meat pulls away from the bone easily and the color is dark red/golden.
Serving Suggestions
Optional garnishes enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish; feel free to customize based on personal preferences.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Mix together the marinade ingredients and let the chicken wings soak for a short period, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Baking
Bake the marinated chicken wings in a preheated oven, ensuring they are placed on a lined baking tray for even cooking and easier cleanup.
Basting
During the baking process, baste the wings with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and achieve a sticky glaze.
Checking for Doneness
Determine if the wings are fully cooked when the meat easily pulls away from the bone and they develop a charred appearance.
Garnishing
Add optional garnishes before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different parts of the chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other chicken parts like drumsticks or thighs, but cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
You can use Mirin or dry sherry as a substitute for Shaoxing wine.
How spicy are these wings?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek used in the marinade.
Can I soak the wings in the marinade for longer than an hour?
It’s not recommended as the wings may become too salty if marinated for too long.
What should I serve with the chicken wings?
These chicken wings pair well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This recipe for chicken wings offers a deliciously flavorful and sticky dish that can impress your guests or satisfy your family. The combination of marinade ingredients creates a rich and savory taste, with the garlic, ginger, and spices enhancing the overall flavor profile. Baking the wings results in a delightful texture—juicy and tender on the inside while being crispy on the outside. With optional garnishes, you can customize the presentation and add extra freshness to the dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Use a teriyaki sauce as the marinade base instead of the suggested ingredients. Adjust the sweetness with brown sugar and add sesame seeds as a garnish.
Spicy Buffalo Wings
Replace the soy sauce and hoisin sauce with hot sauce and a dash of vinegar for a classic Buffalo wing flavor. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Marinate the wings with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and olive oil. Bake and toss them in more lemon juice and pepper before serving.
Honey Garlic Wings
Incorporate more honey and fresh minced garlic into the marinade, back off the chili for a sweeter flavor profile. Garnish with green onions for added crunch.
Curry Chicken Wings
Use curry powder in the marinade and add coconut milk for a unique twist. Serve with a side of yogurt to balance the spices.
Maple Mustard Wings
Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add Dijon mustard to the marinade for a sweet and tangy flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.
