Fish Sauce Wings

Fish Sauce Wings is a medium Thai recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Derek Chen on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $9.75 total, $2.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Wings (split at joints, skin on)
  • 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Thai fish sauce for umami)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch (for light coating)
  • 1/2 cup Rice Flour (gluten‑free, adds crispness)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 4 cup Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil (peanut, canola, or sunflower))
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced for shallow frying)
  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Thai Chilies (thinly sliced, adjust for heat)
  • 2 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Wings

    In a zip‑lock bag or bowl, combine the chicken wings with fish sauce, salt, MSG, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Let the Wings Marinate

    Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop flavor.

    Time: PT0M

  3. Prepare the Dredge

    In a mixing bowl whisk together cornstarch, rice flour, and baking powder until uniform.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Coat the Wings

    Remove wings from the fridge, shake off excess marinade, and toss them in the dredge until fully coated. Let excess fall back into the bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First Fry (350°F)

    Heat vegetable oil in the large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated wings in batches for 8 minutes, turning once, until they are just cooked through but not yet golden.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Second Fry (375°F)

    Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the wings to the oil and fry for 3‑4 minutes, or until deeply golden and ultra‑crispy.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Shallow Fry Garlic

    Remove the wings and set aside on paper towels. In a separate pan, add a splash of oil and shallow‑fry the minced garlic over medium heat for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Strain the garlic out and reserve the oil.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Make the Sauce

    In a small saucepan combine sugar, water, fish sauce, sliced Thai chilies, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 4‑5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Toss Wings in Sauce

    Place the double‑fried wings in a large bowl, pour the hot sauce over them, and toss quickly to coat evenly. Sprinkle the fried garlic on top.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Plate and Serve

    Arrange the wings on a serving platter, garnish with extra lime wedges if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Fish

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Fish Sauce Wings

Recipe by Derek Chen

These ultra‑crispy double‑fried chicken wings are tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy garlic‑chili‑lime sauce. Marinated in fish sauce for deep umami, coated with a light cornstarch‑rice flour dredge, and fried twice for maximum crunch, they’re finished with fragrant fried garlic and a sweet‑sour sauce that’s perfect for game day or a snack.

MediumThaiServes 4

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Source Video
17m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.75
Total cost
$2.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinate the wings for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight)
  • Maintain oil temperature precisely (350°F first fry, 375°F second fry)
  • Do not overcrowd the pot during frying
  • Strain fried garlic to keep it crisp
  • Simmer sauce until slightly syrupy before coating

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – use a thermometer and keep a lid nearby
  • Do not leave the fryer unattended while oil is at high temperature
  • Straining hot garlic oil can cause splatter – pour slowly

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings in Thai-inspired cuisine?

A

While chicken wings are not a traditional Thai street food, the combination of fish sauce, lime, and Thai chilies reflects classic Thai flavor pillars—salty, sour, and spicy. Modern fusion chefs like Derek Chen adapt these elements to create wing dishes that echo the bold, balanced taste of Thai cuisine.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Thai‑style wing dishes across Thailand?

A

In central Thailand, wings are often grilled and brushed with a sweet‑soy glaze, whereas in the northeast (Isan) they may be deep‑fried and tossed with tamarind‑pepper sauces. The garlic‑chili‑lime version popularized by fusion cooks adds a Western double‑fry technique to the Thai flavor base.

cultural
Q

How is Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings authentically served in Thai restaurants or street stalls?

A

Authentic serving includes the wings on a platter with fresh lime wedges, a side of sliced cucumbers, and sometimes a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. The dish is meant to be eaten hot, with the crisp texture contrasting the bright, tangy sauce.

cultural
Q

During which Thai celebrations or occasions are spicy wing dishes like Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings commonly enjoyed?

A

Spicy fried foods are popular during Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations and at night markets where people gather for communal snacking. The bold heat pairs well with the festive, lively atmosphere of these events.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings?

A

Serve the wings alongside papaya salad (som tam), sticky rice, or a cooling cucumber‑mint raita. A light coconut‑lime soup (tom ka kai) also balances the heat and adds a soothing element to the meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings special within Thai‑inspired fusion cuisine?

A

The double‑fry technique creates an ultra‑light, crunchy crust that holds the sauce without becoming soggy, while the sauce’s blend of fish sauce, lime, and Thai chilies delivers authentic Thai umami and brightness in a familiar wing format.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings at home?

A

Common errors include not marinating long enough, frying at the wrong temperature, overcrowding the pot, and letting the sauce sit too long before coating, which can make the coating soggy. Follow the temperature cues and keep batches small for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cornstarch‑rice flour dredge instead of all‑purpose flour for Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings?

A

Cornstarch and rice flour are gluten‑free and create a lighter, crisper crust that stays crunchy after the second fry, whereas all‑purpose flour tends to produce a heavier, doughier coating.

technical
Q

Can I make Crispy Double-Fried Garlic Chili Lime Wings ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance. Fry them, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re‑crisp in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes before tossing with fresh sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Derek Chen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Derek Chen focuses on bold, Asian‑inspired home cooking, emphasizing high‑impact flavors, technique shortcuts like double‑frying, and approachable recipes that blend traditional ingredients with modern twists.

channel

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