Easy Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings Recipe

Easy Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings Recipe is a easy Vietnamese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by FOOD WITH DEV on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 26 min

Cost: $8.37 total, $2.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Wings (fresh or thawed frozen, tips trimmed)
  • 0.33 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 4 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2.5 tablespoons Fish Sauce (Vietnamese nuoc mam)
  • 0.5 tablespoon MSG (optional, enhances umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed from half a lime)
  • 8 pieces Garlic Cloves (peeled)
  • 1 piece Thai Chili Pepper (whole, seeds optional for less heat)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for deep frying)
  • 2 pieces Jalapeno Slices (optional garnish for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Create Garlic‑Chili‑Sugar Paste

    Place the peeled garlic cloves, Thai chili pepper, and granulated sugar into a mortar. Pound with the pestle until a smooth paste forms.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mix the Glaze

    In a mixing bowl combine the garlic‑chili‑sugar paste, water, fish sauce, MSG, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Optional Boil the Wings

    Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the chicken wings, and cook for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse the wings under cold water.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  4. Fry the Wings

    Heat the vegetable oil in a pan or wok over high heat until shimmering. Submerge the wings, then reduce heat to medium‑low. Fry, turning once, until the wings turn golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high

  5. Glaze the Wings

    Remove excess oil, then return the fried wings to the pan. Pour the prepared glaze over the wings and toss for 1–2 minutes until each piece is evenly coated and the sauce thickens.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
15g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Fish (fish sauce), MSG

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Easy Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings Recipe

Recipe by FOOD WITH DEV

Crispy Vietnamese-style chicken wings glazed in a sweet‑savory fish sauce glaze, made without any batter. The wings are briefly boiled for extra tenderness, then quickly fried and tossed in a fragrant garlic‑chili paste, giving you a sticky, flavorful snack that's perfect for any gathering.

EasyVietnameseServes 4

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

Source Video
9m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.37
Total cost
$2.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pounding garlic, chili, and sugar into a smooth paste.
  • Frying the wings until golden brown without overcooking.
  • Tossing the wings in the glaze until fully coated and the sauce thickens.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep a lid nearby to smother flames.
  • Do not leave the pan unattended while the oil is heating.

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 Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Fish sauce (nước mắm) is a cornerstone of Vietnamese cooking, and glazing meat with it creates a sweet‑savory flavor that is beloved in street‑food stalls. While wings are not a traditional festival dish, they have become a popular snack for gatherings and bar‑becues, reflecting Vietnam’s love for bold, umami‑rich bites.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fish sauce wings in Vietnam?

A

In the South, the glaze is often sweeter with added palm sugar, while Northern versions may use less sugar and more lime for a tangier profile. Some coastal regions add a splash of coconut water to the sauce for subtle richness.

cultural
Q

How is fish sauce chicken wings traditionally served in Vietnam?

A

They are typically served hot, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, alongside a side of pickled vegetables (đồ chua) and a cold beer. The wings are eaten with the hands, making them a convivial finger food.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations are fish sauce chicken wings commonly enjoyed in Vietnamese culture?

A

These wings are popular at informal gatherings, street‑food festivals, and family celebrations such as birthdays or Tet (Lunar New Year) parties, where they complement other savory dishes and provide a crowd‑pleasing snack.

cultural
Q

What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with fish sauce chicken wings?

A

Pair them with fresh summer rolls (gỏi cuốn), Vietnamese fried spring rolls (chả giò), or a simple rice noodle salad dressed with nuoc cham. The bright acidity of the salad balances the rich glaze of the wings.

cultural
Q

What makes fish sauce chicken wings special or unique in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

The combination of a quick boil, high‑heat frying, and a glaze made from garlic, chili, sugar, lime, and fish sauce creates a layered flavor profile—sweet, salty, sour, and spicy—all in one bite, showcasing the balance that Vietnamese cooking strives for.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fish sauce chicken wings at home?

A

Common errors include adding the wings to oil that isn’t hot enough, overcrowding the pan, and skipping the brief boil which can leave the meat undercooked. Also, over‑reducing the glaze can make it overly thick and sticky.

technical
Q

Why does this fish sauce wings recipe call for a brief boil before frying instead of frying raw wings directly?

A

Boiling partially cooks the meat, ensuring the interior reaches a safe temperature while reducing the time the wings spend in hot oil. This results in a healthier dish with less oil absorption and a more tender interior.

technical
Q

Can I make the fish sauce glaze ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the glaze can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before tossing with the fried wings.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel FOOD WITH DEV specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel FOOD WITH DEV focuses on approachable Vietnamese home‑cooking recipes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern kitchen techniques for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel FOOD WITH DEV's approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

FOOD WITH DEV emphasizes minimal equipment, quick preparation methods like the optional boil‑then‑fry technique, and clear explanations of flavor balance, making authentic Vietnamese dishes accessible without requiring specialty tools or hard‑to‑find ingredients.

channel

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