Korean Chicken Wings
These wings are coated in a savory rub and baked first, then tossed in a sauce that features our Gochujang, a sweet and spicy Korean chili paste that's made from Korean Chili Flakes, or Gochugaru. Korean cuisine has become increasingly prevalent on the American culinary landscape, and one of the perks of this job is experimenting with these great flavors that are now available to us. Chicken wings are a great bridge for new flavors because they combine chicken’s mild nature with passionate fans that will try them in unexpected preparations. Get ready to dig in.
Prepare your chicken for the dry rub by patting the chicken wings as dry as possible with a lint-free towel or some paper towels. This will help the dry rub adhere to the skin and create a rich base of flavor for the wings. You can coat the wings with the dry ingredients by putting them in a large bowl and tossing them, or you can put them in a large plastic bag and shake them around. Make sure the wings are coated on all sides with dry ingredients, and then put them on your baking rack.
Using a baking rack will help facilitate air flow around the wings and create crispier wings overall. You can use a standard baking sheet if you don’t have an oven-safe rack. Just make sure to turn your wings half-way through the cooking time so they crisp up evenly on all sides.
Serve with Oi Muchim, a traditional cucumber salad, for tart contrast and a bit of extra crunch. You might want to make a double batch from the start; they’re so good they’ll be gone in no time at all!
- 3 pounds chicken wings and drumettes
- 2 Tablespoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon California Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons California Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Fine Sea Salt
- 2 teaspoons Ginger Powder
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons mirin
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tablespoons Gochujang
- 1 bunch green onions, finely diced
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Thoroughly dry chicken wings with a clean kitchen towel.
3. Combine baking powder, Granulated Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Fine Sea Salt, and Ginger Powder in a large bag or bowl and shake or stir to combine.
4. Add wings to the bag or bowl and toss to coat thoroughly.
5. Cook wings in a 400°F oven on a baking rack, positioned over a baking sheet to catch drips, for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F
6. While the wings are cooking, simmer the remaining ingredients (except green onions and Gochujang) over medium-low heat.
7. When the wings are almost done stir the Gochujang into the sauce and pour in a large bowl.
8. Remove wings from oven; toss in bowl with sauce. Garnish with green onions and serve.
