Name: Crispy Korean Wings with Gochujang: Simple & Irresistible
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Chicken Wings; 1 tablespoon Baking Powder; 1/4 cup Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/2 cup Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste); 1/4 cup Honey; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce; 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil; 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar; 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated); 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds; 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced)

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As I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of gochujang wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to the bustling streets of Seoul. Today, I’m excited to share my Crispy Korean Gochujang Chicken Wings recipe, a delightful culinary adventure that’s both easy and rewarding. Not only are these wings packed with bold flavors that dance on your palate, but they also achieve that coveted crispy texture, perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to whip up a dish that blends sweet and spicy notes, making it an ideal choice for game day or any casual gathering. Curious how to make these at home? Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why are these wings so irresistible?

Crispy Texture: Achieving that perfect crunch is a breeze with the aid of baking powder and cornstarch, ensuring each bite is sensational.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of gochujang, honey, and garlic creates a sweet and spicy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

Easy Prep: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, whipping up these wings is hassle-free, making it perfect even for busy weeknights.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a party or a weekday dinner, these wings are always a hit, bringing everyone together for a delicious shared experience.

Versatile Enjoyment: Pair them with cold beer or fresh pickled vegetables for a delightful contrast, or serve with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flair.

Explore More: For a delightful accompaniment, consider serving these crispy Korean wings with some Korean Bbq Steak for a complete culinary journey.

Korean Wings Ingredients

• Discover the key components for mouthwatering crispy wings!

For the Wings

Chicken Wings – The star of the dish, providing a juicy base for crisply baked perfection.
Baking Powder – Key to achieving that crunchy, crispy skin that everyone loves.
Cornstarch – Enhances the crispiness during baking, giving your wings that desirable crunch.
Salt – Essential for flavor enhancement and tenderizing the meat.
Black Pepper – Adds warmth and depth to elevate the overall taste.

For the Sauce

Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) – Imparts a rich umami flavor with just the right amount of spice for the Korean wings.
Honey – Brings sweetness to balance the heat and aids in caramelization.
Soy Sauce – Provides saltiness and enhances the richness of the sauce.
Sesame Oil – Infuses a nutty flavor that completes the dish.
Rice Vinegar – Offers acidity to balance the sweetness and round out the flavor profile.
Garlic (minced) – Adds aromatics, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Ginger (grated) – Introduces a zesty kick that complements the other ingredients.

For Garnish

Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
Green Onions (sliced) – Adds a fresh touch and vibrant color to your crispy Korean wings.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Korean Gochujang Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep Wings
Begin by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which enhances crispiness during baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you prepare the wings, ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature when it’s time to cook.

Step 2: Season
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried chicken wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss the wings thoroughly until they are evenly coated to create a delightful crunch once baked. This step blankets the wings in a crispy layer that will make your Korean wings irresistible.

Step 3: Arrange Wings
Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned wings on the tray in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This prevents steaming and allows the heat to circulate freely, resulting in perfectly crispy Korean wings.

Step 4: Bake
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake the wings for 30-35 minutes. About halfway through, flip the wings using tongs to ensure they brown evenly on both sides and develop that beautiful crispy skin you’re looking for. Keep an eye on them, because a golden color means they’re doing great!

Step 5: Prepare Sauce
While the wings bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined, filling your kitchen with an aromatic and inviting scent that complements your crispy Korean wings.

Step 6: Coat Wings
Once the wings are done baking, carefully transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the hot wings and toss them gently until they are fully coated. This is where the magic happens, as the sauce envelops the crispy wings in a rich, sweet, and spicy glaze.

Step 7: Return to Oven
Return the sauced wings to the baking tray and place them back in the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and glaze the wings perfectly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—glassy and bubbly is what you’re aiming for!

Step 8: Garnish
Once baked to perfection, remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions generously over the top for a finishing touch. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation to your Crispy Korean Wings.

What to Serve with Crispy Korean Gochujang Chicken Wings

Dive into flavors and textures that will elevate your dining experience while enjoying these delightful wings.

Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy freshness of coleslaw provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy wings, balancing the heat beautifully.
Sticky Rice: Soft and slightly sweet, sticky rice absorbs flavors and pairs wonderfully with the gochujang sauce, creating a harmonious bite.
Pickled Vegetables: Adding a zesty crunch, pickled vegetables offer a refreshing contrast that enhances the wings’ bold flavors and adds brightness to the meal.
Garlic Fried Rice: Hearty and savory, garlic fried rice complements the sticky glaze of the wings while delivering a comforting, satisfying element.
Korean Beer: Enjoy a chilled Korean beer to cut through the spice and enhance the overall tasting experience, perfect for gatherings or game day.
Kimchi: This traditional fermented side dish boosts flavor complexity with its tangy and spicy notes, making it an ideal pairing with your Korean wings.
Spicy Dipping Sauce: A chili mayonnaise or green onion dip introduces an extra layer of spice, delivering a creamy texture that complements the crispy wings wonderfully.

Storage Tips for Korean Wings

Fridge: Store leftover Korean wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To restore their crispy texture, reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Meal Prep: If making ahead for gatherings, consider coating the wings in sauce just before serving, ensuring they retain that delicious crunch and flavor!

Expert Tips for Crispy Korean Wings

Pat Dry: Ensure your chicken wings are patted dry before seasoning. This crucial step helps achieve that crispy texture everyone loves in Korean wings.

High Heat: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for optimal crispiness. Using high heat is essential for preventing the wings from becoming soggy while ensuring they reach that desired golden brown.

Coat After Baking: Toss your wings in the sauce after they’ve been baked to retain maximum crispiness. This will prevent sogginess and keep that delightful crunch intact.

Watch for Burn: Keep an eye on the wings during the final caramelization step. The sugars in the sauce can burn quickly, so monitor them closely for that perfect glisten.

Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to avoid sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This will help in achieving perfectly crisped Korean wings without the hassle!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Korean Gochujang Chicken Wings are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors with less stress on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken wings in the gochujang sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, feel free to coat the baked wings in sauce and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauced wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure they stay crispy while warming through. This approach guarantees you’ll have sumptuous wings that are just as delicious as when freshly made, saving you time without sacrificing flavor!

Korean Wings Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize these wings with these fun variations!

Milder Flavor: Scale back on gochujang or substitute with a sweeter chili paste for a gentler kick. This allows those who prefer less spice to still enjoy the rich flavors of the dish.
Citrusy Twist: Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor. The acidity beautifully complements the sweetness and spiciness of the wings.
Alternative Protein: Swap chicken wings for drumsticks or even boneless chicken thighs for a different texture. Both options will still soak up that delicious sauce wonderfully.
Crispy Veggie Option: Try tossing some cauliflower florets in the same seasoning blend before baking for a delightful plant-based alternative that’s just as crispy and tasty.
Sweet Heat: For an added kick, toss in a few diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce to elevate the heat level. It’s a great way to satisfy spice lovers!
Soy-Free: For a soy-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This imparts a similar umami flavor while being kinder on those with dietary restrictions.
Garnish Galore: Enhance the garnish with toasted walnuts or chopped cilantro for an added crunch and vibrant color. This tiny addition makes a world of difference!
Explore More: If you’re looking to round out your meal, consider pairing these wings with some savory Korean Bbq Steak. It’s a match made in culinary heaven that will leave everyone wanting seconds!

Crispy Korean Gochujang Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken wings?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken wings, look for those that are plump and have a good amount of meat. Avoid wings with dark spots or an off color, as these can be signs of age. Fresh wings should have a pleasant smell and feel moist but not slimy.

What’s the best way to store leftover wings?
Very simple! Store your leftover Korean wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the crispy texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze these wings?
Of course! To freeze your crispy Korean wings, first, bake and cool them completely. Arrange the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again, roughly 15-20 minutes.

What if my wings don’t turn out crispy?
I understand that can be frustrating! If your wings aren’t crispy, it’s usually due to excess moisture. Be sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and avoid overcrowding the baking tray. If they come out soggy, try re-baking them on a higher heat for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Are there any dietary considerations for these wings?
Definitely! If you’re preparing these wings for someone with allergies, keep in mind that they contain soy sauce, which has gluten. You can use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make these wings suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, if you’re cooking for children or individuals sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of gochujang to suit their taste.

Can I make these wings in advance?
Yes, you can! To prepare ahead, bake the wings as instructed, then toss them in sauce right before serving. This will help retain their crispy texture and ensure they’re delicious when it’s time to dig in!