Fried Chicken Wings (Chinese Restaurant Style)

Fried chicken wings are a beloved dish across the world, but Chinese-style fried chicken wings offer a unique twist. Whether you’re craving something crispy, spicy, or perfectly seasoned, Chinese fried chicken wings can satisfy all those desires. In this article, we will delve into the art of making Chinese fried chicken wings at home, with step-by-step instructions, tips, and secrets for creating the perfect crispy, flavorful wings that rival your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Introduction to Chinese Fried Chicken Wings

Fried chicken wings, or Chinese Wings Fried as they’re often known in Chinese restaurants, are a staple appetizer in many Chinese eateries worldwide. These wings are typically marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then fried until golden brown and crispy. But what makes these wings stand out from the rest is the unique combination of spices and seasonings that give them an unmistakable flavor. In this guide, we’ll take you through the basics of a Chinese Fried Chicken Wings Recipe, as well as some variations like Jalapeno Fried Chicken, Chinese Wings Recipe, and more. If you’re a fan of crispy fried foods with a kick, this recipe is a must-try.

The Secret to Crispy Chinese Fried Chicken Wings

The secret to making the crispiest Chinese fried chicken wings lies in the preparation and frying technique. While the seasoning is important, achieving the right texture depends on a few simple steps:

Marinating the Chicken Wings – Marinating your chicken wings is crucial. It allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it tender and delicious. Common marinade ingredients include soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Cornstarch Coating – Cornstarch is one of the key ingredients that make Chinese fried chicken wings so crispy. The cornstarch creates a crunchy exterior when fried, giving the wings that perfect golden texture.
Double Frying – For extra crispiness, Chinese fried chicken wings are often double-fried. This method ensures that the wings are cooked through while maintaining a crunchy outer layer. The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry crisps up the exterior.
Oil Temperature – To get crispy chicken wings, make sure the oil is hot enough. The ideal temperature for frying chicken wings is around 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cool, the wings will absorb more oil and become greasy rather than crispy.

Essential Ingredients for Fried Chicken Wingettes

To make Chinese-style fried chicken wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken Wings: You can either use whole chicken wings or cut them into wingettes (the drumette and the flat part of the wing), which are perfect for frying. Fried Chicken Wingettes are especially popular because they offer more crispy surface area.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives the wings a deep umami flavor and helps with the marinating process.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy note to balance the rich flavors of the soy sauce and garlic.
Garlic and Ginger: These are the aromatics that add depth to the marinade.
Cornstarch: This will be used to coat the wings and make them crispy.
All-Purpose Flour: A combination of flour and cornstarch gives the wings a light and crispy coating.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the wings and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Vegetable Oil: For frying. You’ll need enough to submerge the wings completely.

Optional ingredients for extra flavor:

Chili Flakes or Fresh Jalapenos: If you’re making Jalapeno Fried Chicken, the addition of chopped jalapenos or chili flakes will give the wings a spicy kick.
Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness can help balance the savory and spicy flavors.
Five-Spice Powder: This is a traditional Chinese spice blend that adds complexity to the wings. It typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Fried Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by washing the chicken wings thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If you’re using whole wings, you can cut them into two parts: the drumette and the wingette. Some people prefer wingettes for their smaller size and crispier texture.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Wings

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, a pinch of sugar, and any optional ingredients like chili flakes or five-spice powder. Add the chicken wings to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours. Marinating the wings allows them to absorb the flavors, making them tender and juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

While the wings are marinating, prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a 2:1 ratio. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dry mix will create the crispy outer layer when fried.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large pot or deep-fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil. If it bubbles and sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

Once the wings have marinated, remove them from the bowl and dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Make sure the wings are coated evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess coating to ensure they don’t get too thick.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken Wings

Carefully lower the coated wings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the wings in batches if necessary. Cook the wings for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you’re double frying, remove the wings after the first fry and let them rest for 5 minutes before frying them again for 2-3 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness.

Step 7: Drain the Wings

Once the wings are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 8: Serve the Chinese Fried Chicken Wings

Serve the crispy Chinese fried chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes. You can drizzle some wing sauce over the wings for added flavor. A simple sweet and sour sauce or a spicy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with these wings.

Variations: Chinese Fried Chicken Wing Recipes

1. Jalapeno Fried Chicken Wings

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, Jalapeno Fried Chicken is an excellent variation. You can add sliced fresh jalapenos to the marinade, or if you prefer, incorporate some chili flakes into the flour mixture. After frying the wings, toss them with some finely chopped fresh jalapenos for extra heat and flavor.

2. Chinese Fried Fish

While not a wing recipe, Chinese fried fish can be prepared using a similar technique. White fish fillets can be coated in a light cornstarch-flour mixture and fried to a golden crisp. This can be served alongside your fried chicken wings for a delicious Chinese-inspired feast.

3. Easy Fried Chicken Wings

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make fried chicken wings at home, simply omit the marinating process and coat the wings directly in the flour-cornstarch mixture before frying. This will still give you crispy and tasty wings, though they may not have the depth of flavor that a marinated wing provides.

Wing Sauce Recipes

A great Wing Sauce Recipe Easy to accompany your fried chicken wings can be made by combining soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, and a little bit of sesame oil for an authentic Chinese touch. You can also make a tangy dipping sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chopped green onions. Either way, a flavorful sauce will enhance the taste of your Chinese Fried Chicken Wings.

Conclusion

Making Chinese Fried Chicken Wings at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the tips for crispy wings, experimenting with different marinades and seasonings, and incorporating unique flavors like jalapenos or five-spice powder, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. Whether you’re making Chinese Wings Fried or simply looking for an Easy Fried Chicken Wings recipe, the results will be a crispy, flavorful treat that’s sure to impress.

So next time you’re craving something crispy and flavorful, skip the takeout and try your hand at this delicious Chinese fried chicken wings recipe. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these wings will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of homemade Chinese fried chicken wings!