FINGER-LICKING-GOOD Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Soy Garlic & Spicy Sauces ❗️BETTER THAN RESTAURANT

FINGER-LICKING-GOOD Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Soy Garlic & Spicy Sauces ❗️BETTER THAN RESTAURANT is a medium Korean recipe that serves 5. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Modern Pepper on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $12.08 total, $2.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 24 pieces Chicken Wings (fresh, skin on; pat dry with paper towels)
  • 1 cup Cornstarch (for coating; creates a light, crispy crust)
  • 1 tsp Salt (seasoning for wings before coating)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (high smoke point oil for deep frying)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced finely)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (adds subtle sweetness)
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (use gluten‑free soy sauce if needed)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (provides tanginess)
  • 0.25 cup Water (adjust sauce consistency)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (optional, adds nutty aroma)
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup (adds a hint of sweetness to the spicy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean fermented red‑pepper paste)
  • 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes for extra heat (optional))
  • 1 piece Fresh Jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped; optional for extra spiciness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings

    Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Coat with Cornstarch

    Place the wings in a large bowl, sprinkle the cornstarch over them, and toss until each piece is evenly coated and the coating looks wet and sticky.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Rest the Coated Wings

    Let the coated wings rest on a plate for about 10 minutes. This helps the starch adhere and creates a drier surface for frying.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Heat Oil

    Fill the deep‑frying pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2‑3 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C) using the candy thermometer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. First Fry (Batch 1)

    Carefully lower about a dozen wings into the hot oil. Fry for 6‑8 minutes, stirring gently with a mesh ladle so they don’t stick together. Wings should turn golden‑brown and begin to float.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Drain First Batch

    Using the mesh ladle, lift the wings onto the cooling rack to drain excess oil.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Second Fry (Batch 2)

    Repeat step 5 with the remaining wings, again frying 6‑8 minutes until golden and crisp.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Optional Double Fry

    For extra crunch, return all wings to the oil for a second 5‑minute fry at 325°F (163°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 325°F

  9. Make the Non‑Spicy Garlic Tangy Sauce

    In a saucepan, combine minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2‑3 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  10. Make the Spicy Gochujang Sauce

    Duplicate the non‑spicy sauce recipe, then stir in ketchup, gochujang, gochugaru, and the chopped jalapeño. Simmer an additional minute.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  11. Toss or Serve

    Transfer the fried wings to a large bowl. Toss a portion in the non‑spicy sauce, another portion in the spicy sauce, or serve the sauces on the side for dipping.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Optional: Sauce‑Coated Fries

    If you have leftover sauce, toss freshly cooked French fries in it for a Korean‑style snack.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

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

Dietary info: Gluten‑free (use gluten‑free soy sauce), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Potential gluten (if regular soy sauce is used)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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FINGER-LICKING-GOOD Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Soy Garlic & Spicy Sauces ❗️BETTER THAN RESTAURANT

Recipe by Modern Pepper

Crispy Korean-style fried chicken wings coated in a simple cornstarch batter and served with two homemade sauces – a garlicky tangy sauce and a spicy gochujang‑enhanced version. The recipe includes tips for double‑frying, making extra sauce for fries, and how to achieve that restaurant‑level crunch at home.

MediumKoreanServes 5

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

Source Video
14m
Prep
49m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.08
Total cost
$2.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Use a candy/frying thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches.
  • Rest the cornstarch‑coated wings for 10 minutes before frying.
  • Use a mesh ladle to remove oil residue between batches.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children away from the stove.
  • Never leave heating oil unattended.
  • Use the mesh ladle to avoid splashing oil when removing wings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Korean cuisine?

A

Korean fried chicken, known as "yangnyeom chicken," became popular in the 1970s after the introduction of double‑frying techniques. It is celebrated for its ultra‑crisp skin and flavorful sauces, often enjoyed as anju (food served with alcohol) in Korean pubs.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Korean cuisine?

A

In Seoul, wings are often coated with a sweet‑spicy gochujang glaze, while in Busan the sauce may feature a soy‑garlic base with less sugar. Some regions add honey or corn syrup for extra shine, and Jeju islands favor a lighter, less oily version.

cultural
Q

How is Korean Fried Chicken Wings traditionally served in Korea?

A

They are typically served hot, either whole or halved, on a platter with pickled radish (mu) and a side of cold beer. The wings are either tossed in a sauce or presented with the sauce on the side for dipping.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Korean Fried Chicken Wings traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Korean fried chicken is a staple for late‑night gatherings, sports events, and especially for "chimaek" (chicken and beer) evenings. It’s also a popular dish for birthdays, holidays, and casual family get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

How does Korean Fried Chicken Wings fit into the broader Korean cuisine tradition?

A

The dish exemplifies Korean cuisine’s love for bold flavors—sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy—while showcasing the Korean technique of double‑frying to achieve a light, airy crust that differs from American Southern fried chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Korean Fried Chicken Wings versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken wings, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, and gochujang. Substitutes can be potato starch for cornstarch, tamari for soy sauce, and chili paste or cayenne for gochujang if unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Korean Fried Chicken Wings?

A

Pair the wings with Korean pickled radish, kimchi, steamed rice, or a simple cucumber salad. For drinks, cold lagers or Korean rice wine (makgeolli) complement the spicy and tangy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean Fried Chicken Wings at home?

A

Common errors include using oil that’s not hot enough, overcrowding the pot, skipping the 10‑minute rest for the cornstarch coating, and over‑mixing the sauce which can cause it to become grainy.

technical
Q

How do I know when Korean Fried Chicken Wings are done cooking?

A

The wings should float, turn a deep golden‑brown color, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A crisp, audible crunch when you bite indicates the double‑fry was successful.

technical
Q

Can I make the sauces for Korean Fried Chicken Wings ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, both the garlicky tangy sauce and the spicy gochujang sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight jars in the refrigerator and gently reheat before tossing the wings.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Modern Pepper specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Modern Pepper specializes in Korean cooking tutorials, offering authentic recipes, modern twists, and detailed technique breakdowns for home cooks interested in Korean cuisine.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Modern Pepper's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Modern Pepper focuses on clear, step‑by‑step instruction with a strong emphasis on technique (like double‑frying) and practical home‑cooking tips, whereas many other channels prioritize quick recipes or restaurant‑style plating without as much detail on the cooking process.

channel

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