Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings (Yangnyeom Chicken) Recipe – Crispy & Flavorful!

If you’re a fan of bold, delicious flavors, you’ll fall head over heels for these Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings (Yangnyeom Chicken). This popular dish hails from South Korea and has become a beloved favorite in many homes and restaurants around the world. These crispy, juicy chicken wings are coated in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce that will have you coming back for more. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe and explore why it has taken the world by storm.

Why Korean Chicken Wings?

Korean cuisine is renowned for its balance of flavors – salty, sweet, spicy, and umami – and Yangnyeom chicken is the perfect example of this. With its crispy coating, sweet and spicy sauce, and a dash of sesame seeds and green onions for garnish, these chicken wings are the perfect fusion of flavors that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and honey creates a beautifully balanced sauce that’s both savory and sweet, while the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) adds an optional extra punch of heat for those who enjoy an added kick.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to understand the key ingredients that make this dish shine. The key to achieving those crispy and juicy wings is a careful balance between preparation, frying, and coating with the sauce. Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through each step so that you can replicate this dish perfectly at home.

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings:

Let’s break down the ingredients needed to make this delectable dish.

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon water

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions on how to make these crispy, sticky, and spicy chicken wings.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

• The first step in making your Yangnyeom chicken is to ensure that your chicken wings are as dry as possible. Use paper towels to gently pat them dry and remove any excess moisture. This is key for achieving that crispy texture that will make the wings irresistible.
• Once the wings are dry, season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• After seasoning, toss the wings in cornstarch (or potato starch) to coat them thoroughly. The starch helps to create a crispy exterior when fried.

2. Fry the Wings (Twice for Extra Crispiness):

• To achieve that perfect crispy texture, we’re going to fry the wings twice. This method is essential for ensuring the wings are crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
• Heat the oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature for frying the wings without burning them. Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once fried, remove them from the oil and let them rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
• For an extra level of crispiness, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the wings again for 4-5 minutes. This step ensures that the wings are super crispy.

3. Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine gochujang (Korean red chili paste), honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
• Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich, glossy texture. If you like extra heat, feel free to add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for an additional spicy kick.

4. Coat the Wings:

• Once the sauce is ready, take your crispy wings and toss them in the sweet and spicy sauce until they are fully coated. The wings should be completely submerged in the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• For the finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the wings. This adds a little extra crunch and a burst of freshness to balance out the heat.
• Serve your Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings immediately with a side of pickled radish for a traditional Korean touch. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, sticky, and spicy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings

Making the best Yangnyeom chicken involves a few key tips to ensure you get those crispy wings with the perfect sauce coating:

• Pat the Wings Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning and frying to get the perfect crunch.
• Double Frying: This method ensures that your wings are crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside. Don’t skip the second fry!
• Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or spice level based on your preferences. You can add more honey for sweetness or more gochujang and gochugaru for extra heat.
• Serve Immediately: These wings are best served fresh and hot. The crispy exterior will begin to soften if they sit too long in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these wings in the oven instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes. To get crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

2. Is there a substitute for gochujang (Korean red chili paste)?

While gochujang is integral to the authentic flavor of this dish, you can use sriracha or a combination of red chili paste and a bit of sugar as a substitute if you can’t find gochujang.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to use, just heat it up in a saucepan before tossing the wings.

4. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly before preparing them. Frozen wings can contain excess moisture, so it’s essential to dry them well before frying.

5. What should I serve with Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings?

These wings pair wonderfully with pickled radish for a traditional side, or you can serve them with steamed rice, a light salad, or even kimchi to enhance the Korean flavors.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Wings (Yangnyeom Chicken) are an absolute treat for your taste buds. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and sweet and spicy sauce, they offer the perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re making these wings for a family dinner, a party, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The next time you’re craving something bold and flavorful, give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness that is Yangnyeom Chicken.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to adjust the spice level according to your preference, and feel free to experiment with different garnishes. Whether you’re a fan of more heat or a touch of sweetness, this recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy your crispy, sticky, and spicy Korean Chicken Wings!

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