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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe (Wok-Fried Perfection)
Craving bold flavors? Our sweet and spicy chicken wings, inspired by a Thai market, deliver crispy, wok-fried perfection with a sticky glaze that Victor, our 8-year-old, can’t resist!
From Our Journal: A Bangkok Night Market
In 2023, our family wandered through a bustling Bangkok night market, where the sizzle of woks and the aroma of spices filled the air. A vendor’s sweet and spicy wings caught Victor’s eye—he was 7 and devoured them with a grin. As a trained chef, I was hooked on recreating that balance of sweet honey and fiery sriracha. Back home, we perfected this recipe, blending market magic with our kitchen expertise, to share a taste of Thailand with you.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Authentic Yet Simple: Wok-frying, inspired by Thai vendors, ensures crispy wings, made easy for home cooks.
- Kid-Approved: The sweet-spicy glaze is a hit with kids like Victor and adults alike.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy family dinners.
The Art of Wok-Frying
Wok-frying, a centuries-old technique, is central to Asian cuisine, as explained by Serious Eats. The wok’s high heat creates crispy textures, perfect for wings. Our glaze, blending honey and sriracha, reflects Thai flavor balance, connecting your kitchen to global traditions. Explore more street food in our Cambodian street food guide.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a taste of Thailand. Use a digital kitchen scale for precise measurements.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 2 pounds | Fresh or thawed, tips trimmed if preferred. |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Low-sodium for less saltiness. |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tbsp | Adds depth and sweetness. |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | Local honey for a sweet kick. |
| Sriracha sauce | 1 tsp | Adjust for spice preference. |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Freshly minced for bold flavor. |
| Grated ginger | 1 tsp | Freshly grated for zesty punch. |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | Neutral oil for frying and glaze. |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | Thickens glaze to coat perfectly. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Season for balance. |
| Green onions, sesame seeds | For garnish | Optional, adds flair and crunch. |
Video: Wok-Fried Wings Tutorial
Watch TheCooknShare demonstrate how to make addictive sweet and spicy wings, capturing the Thai market vibe.
(TheCooknShare’s video shows how to make sweet and spicy wings with a sticky glaze.)
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinating Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4 | Cuisine: Asian | Course: Appetizer/Main
Marinating the Wings
Start with a bold marinade, using a Japanese chef knife for prep:
- Whisk soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl until smooth.
- Toss wings in the marinade, ensuring full coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Making the Glaze
Create a sticky glaze in a nonstick wok:
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry; set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook wings from marinade (reserve marinade) for 5-6 minutes per side until crispy.
- Pour reserved marinade into the wok and simmer.
- Add slurry, cooking until glaze thickens.
- Toss wings in glaze to coat evenly.
Wok-Frying the Wings
Achieve perfect crunch:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in the wok over high heat.
- Fry marinated wings for 5-6 minutes, stirring, until golden.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Tip: Double-fry for extra crispiness: fry once, cool slightly, fry again. Pair with our Chicken and Cabbage Salad.
Variations to Try
- Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway. See our keto chicken recipes.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking midway. Explore air fryer recipes.
- Extra Heat: Add Korean chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Milder: Skip sriracha, increase honey for a kid-friendly glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your wings with:
- Sticky Rice: Made easy with an AROMA rice cooker.
- Salad: Try our Arlington Chicken Salad.
- Drink: A cold lager or Vietnamese egg coffee.
- Veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Not Crispy? Keep the wok hot and fry in batches to avoid crowding.
- Thin Glaze? Add more cornstarch slurry, 1 tsp at a time.
- Burnt Garlic? Lower heat when adding marinade.
- Too Spicy? Balance with extra honey or a yogurt dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
This sweet and spicy chicken wings recipe brings Bangkok’s vibrant flavors to your kitchen. Inspired by our family’s travels and perfected by Oliver, it’s a hit for all ages. Try more Asian-inspired dishes like our Massaman Curry or Vietnamese Pho. Join our newsletter at our page and share your creations on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram with #MangoesAndPalmTrees. How do you like your wings? Share in the comments!
