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: 35 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min

Cost: $8.80 total, $2.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Wings (bone‑in, skin‑on)
  • 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (Thai style, high quality)
  • 6 pcs Garlic Cloves (minced for sauté)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing garlic)
  • 2 tbsp Sugar (granulated)
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 5 pcs Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies (thinly sliced, adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 cup Rice Flour (gluten‑free)
  • ½ cup Tapioca Starch
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil for Frying (use a high smoke‑point oil)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and Marinate Chicken

    Pat the chicken wings dry, then toss them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and 2 tbsp fish sauce. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Fried Garlic

    Mince 6 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 3‑4 minutes. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer, discard the oil, and set the fried garlic aside for later.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Make the Sauce

    In a saucepan combine 2 tbsp sugar, ¼ cup water, sliced Thai chilies, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 3 tbsp fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5‑6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Prepare Flour Coating

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together 1 cup rice flour, ½ cup tapioca starch, and 1 tsp baking powder until uniform.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Coat the Chicken

    Remove the marinated wings from the fridge, letting excess liquid drip off. Toss the wings in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

    Time: PT5M

  6. First Fry (350°F)

    Heat the deep‑fry pot filled with oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the coated wings in batches, frying for 8 minutes until they begin to set but are not yet golden. Remove and let rest on a wire rack.

    Time: PT13M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Second Fry (375°F)

    Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the wings to the oil and fry for an additional 2 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Transfer to a clean rack and let excess oil drip off.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Toss in Sauce and Garnish

    Place the hot wings in a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the fried garlic and sliced green onion on top. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free (rice flour & tapioca), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Fish (fish sauce)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Fish Sauce Wings

Recipe by Derek Chen

Crispy deep‑fried chicken wings tossed in a sweet‑tangy‑spicy fish sauce glaze. Inspired by Thai street‑food flavors, these wings are marinated, double‑fried for extra crunch, and finished with fried garlic and green onion.

MediumThaiServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.80
Total cost
$2.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the wings for at least 3 hours (or overnight)
  • Maintaining oil temperature during the double‑fry (350°F then 375°F)
  • Ensuring the sauce thickens before tossing the wings

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – use a deep‑fat thermometer and never leave the pot unattended
  • Fish sauce is very salty; handle with care to avoid eye irritation
  • Be cautious when handling hot chilies – wear gloves if sensitive

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Fish Sauce Chicken Wings in Thai cuisine?

A

While chicken wings are not a traditional Thai street‑food staple, the use of fish sauce, lime, and bird’s eye chilies reflects classic Thai flavor pillars of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. Modern Thai‑inspired wing recipes have become popular in bars and night markets as a fusion snack.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fish‑sauce‑based wing dishes in Thailand?

A

In Central Thailand, wings are often glazed with tamarind and palm sugar, while in the Isan region they may feature fermented fish sauce (pla ra) and roasted rice powder for a smoky note. The recipe here leans toward a Bangkok‑style balance of sweet, sour, and heat.

cultural
Q

How is Fish Sauce Chicken Wings traditionally served in Thai street food culture?

A

They are typically served hot, sprinkled with fried garlic, fresh cilantro or green onion, and a side of sliced cucumber to cut the heat. The wings are eaten by hand, often alongside a cold beer.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature Fish Sauce Chicken Wings in Thai or Asian gatherings?

A

These wings are popular at casual gatherings, sports‑watch parties, and as bar snacks during festivals like Songkran. Their bold flavor makes them a crowd‑pleaser for both everyday meals and festive occasions.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Fish Sauce Chicken Wings?

A

Serve them with papaya salad (som tam), sticky rice, or a cooling cucumber‑mint raita. A light coconut‑lime soup also balances the heat of the wings nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes Fish Sauce Chicken Wings special compared to typical American buffalo wings?

A

Instead of a vinegar‑based hot sauce, these wings use a sweet‑tangy glaze built on fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai chilies, delivering a complex umami depth and a bright citrus finish that sets them apart from classic buffalo flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Fish Sauce Chicken Wings?

A

Common errors include over‑marinating (which can make the meat too salty), letting oil temperature drop during frying, and not thickening the sauce enough. Follow the double‑fry method and keep the sauce simmering until glossy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a double‑fry technique instead of a single fry?

A

The first fry cooks the meat through while setting the coating; the second, hotter fry quickly crisps the exterior without overcooking the interior, resulting in a light, crunchy crust that stays crisp after saucing.

technical
Q

Can I make Fish Sauce Chicken Wings ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Marinate the wings up to 24 hours, and the sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead. After frying, store the wings in a sealed container in the fridge and re‑heat in a hot oven (375°F) before tossing in the sauce to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Derek Chen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Derek Chen focuses on Asian‑inspired comfort foods, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Derek Chen's approach to Thai‑style cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Derek Chen emphasizes precise temperature control, such as the double‑fry method, and often incorporates quick marinades and sauces that can be made with pantry‑friendly ingredients, setting his style apart from channels that rely on more elaborate preparations.

channel

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