Baked Chinese Chicken Wings: A Delicious Recipe You Need to Try

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, baked chicken wings with a Chinese twist might be just what you need. This recipe is perfect for those who love the flavour of sticky and savoury Asian marinade. The best part is that this dish can be easily prepared in your own kitchen and baked in the oven to perfection.

To make this dish, you'll need some essential ingredients such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also add seafood to the recipe to give it an extra flavour boost. Some of the seafood options that work well with this dish include shrimp, scallops, or squid.

Once you have all the ingredients, you can prepare the chicken wings by marinating them for at least an hour or overnight. Then, you can bake them in the oven until they are deeply golden and sticky. This dish is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack, and it can be stored in the fridge for later consumption.

Key Takeaways

• Baked chicken wings with a Chinese twist make for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack.
• Essential ingredients such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil are needed to make this dish.
• You can add seafood to the recipe to give it an extra flavour boost.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making baked Chinese chicken wings, there are a few key ingredients that you simply can't do without. Here are the essential components that you'll need to create a delicious and authentic dish.

Protein and Marinade

Of course, the star of the show here is the chicken wings themselves. You'll want to use fresh, high-quality wings that are free from any blemishes or discolourations. For the marinade, you'll need a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and honey. These ingredients provide the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours that are characteristic of Chinese cuisine. You can also add garlic and ginger to the marinade to give it an extra kick of flavour.

If you want to mix things up a bit, you can also experiment with using seafood in your marinade. For example, you could try adding some shrimp or scallops to the mixture to give your wings a unique twist.

Sauces and Seasonings

To really bring out the flavours of your chicken wings, you'll need to add a few sauces and seasonings. One popular option is to sprinkle some sesame seeds over the wings before baking them. This adds a nice crunch and nuttiness to the dish.

You can also garnish your wings with some chopped green onions and cilantro. These herbs provide a fresh and zesty contrast to the rich and savoury flavours of the chicken.

Garnishes and Extras

Finally, you'll want to consider any additional garnishes or extras that you might want to include. For example, you could serve your wings with a side of steamed rice or some stir-fried vegetables. Alternatively, you could add some sliced chillies or red pepper flakes to the dish to give it some extra heat.

The key to making delicious baked Chinese chicken wings is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the details. With the right combination of protein, marinade, sauces, and seasonings, you can create a dish that is sure to impress.

Preparing the Chicken Wings

Preparing the chicken wings is an essential step in making delicious baked Chinese chicken wings. Here are the steps you should follow:

Marinating the Wings

Marinating the chicken wings is the first step in preparing them for baking. You can marinate them for several hours or overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. To marinate the wings, you will need:

• 2 pounds of chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, then add the chicken wings and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Setting Up the Baking Environment

Once the wings are marinated, it's time to set up the baking environment. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Place a wire rack on top of the baking tray.
• Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
• Place the chicken wings on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching each other.
• Sprinkle the wings with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help them crisp up.
• Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.

If you like seafood, you can add prawns or squid to the marinade to give the chicken wings an extra flavour boost. Simply add the seafood to the marinade and let it sit for a few hours before baking. Prawns and squid are the best types of seafood to use for this recipe.

Baking Process

Baking Time and Temperature

The baking time and temperature are crucial for achieving perfectly baked Chinese chicken wings. Preheat your oven to 200°C and bake the wings for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, increase the temperature to 220°C and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the wings are cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Achieving Crispiness

To achieve maximum crispiness, use baking powder instead of flour or cornstarch. Baking powder helps to break down the peptide bonds in the skin, making it dehydrated and crispy. Make sure to use baking powder and not baking soda.

Another tip for achieving crispiness is to baste the wings with the marinade every 10 minutes during the baking process. This will ensure that the wings are evenly coated and will result in a nice golden brown colour.

If you want to add seafood to this recipe, you can use prawns or squid. Marinate them in the same sauce as the chicken wings and bake them for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through. This will add a delicious seafood twist to your Chinese chicken wings.

Overall, baking Chinese chicken wings is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. With the right baking time and temperature, and a few tips for achieving maximum crispiness, your wings will be a hit at any party or gathering.

Flavour Profile

When it comes to baked Chinese chicken wings, the flavour profile is all about balance. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours, along with a touch of spice, creates a unique taste that is irresistible. In this section, we'll explore the different elements that make up the flavour profile of Chinese chicken wings.

Balancing Sweet and Savoury

One of the key elements of the flavour profile of Chinese chicken wings is the balance between sweet and savoury flavours. The sweetness comes from ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or hoisin sauce. The savoury flavour comes from ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, or Worcestershire sauce. The combination of these two flavours creates a perfect balance that is both satisfying and delicious.

To achieve the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, it's important to use the right ingredients in the right proportions. You can adjust the sweetness and savouriness to your liking by adding more or less of the ingredients. For example, if you like your wings sweeter, you can add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a more savoury flavour, you can add more soy sauce or oyster sauce.

Spice and Heat Adjustments

Another important element of the flavour profile of Chinese chicken wings is the spice and heat. Depending on the recipe, the wings can be mild or spicy. The spice comes from ingredients like Chinese 5-spice, Sichuan peppercorns, or five spice powder. The heat comes from ingredients like Sriracha, sambal oelek, black pepper, or white pepper.

To adjust the spice and heat to your liking, you can add more or less of these ingredients. If you like your wings spicier, you can add more Sriracha or sambal oelek. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can use less of these ingredients. It's important to note that some of these ingredients can be quite potent, so it's best to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to your recipe to enhance the flavour profile. Shrimp or squid can be used to add a seafood twist to your baked Chinese chicken wings. Simply coat the seafood in the same marinade as the chicken wings and bake them together. The seafood will absorb the flavours of the marinade and add an extra layer of complexity to your dish.

Serving and Storage

Presentation Tips

Baked Chinese chicken wings are a delicious and addictive main course that are perfect for parties or as a snack. To make your dish more visually appealing, you can garnish it with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro. These garnishes will not only add a pop of colour to your dish but also enhance the flavour.

If you want to make your baked Chinese chicken wings healthier, you can consider using seafood. Shrimp or prawns can be a great addition to your recipe. To use shrimp, you can marinate them in the same sauce as the chicken wings and bake them in the oven. Alternatively, you can add them to the chicken wings during the last few minutes of baking.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave until they are just hot or eat them cold. To reheat them in the oven, place them on a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 370°F / 190°C. Once the oven is heated, leave them in for an additional 5 minutes and serve.

You can also freeze the wings in their marinade before cooking for up to 3+ months. Defrost them thoroughly before cooking as per the recipe. It is important to note that while freezing the chicken wings can be a great way to save leftovers for later, seafood should not be frozen as it can affect the texture and taste.

In summary, baked Chinese chicken wings are a delicious and addictive main course that are perfect for parties or as a snack. Garnishing them with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro can make them more visually appealing. If you want to make them healthier, you can consider using seafood such as shrimp or prawns. Lastly, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Nutritional Information

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken wings, baked Chinese chicken wings are a great option. They are lower in calories and fat, but still packed with flavour. Here is the nutritional information for a serving of baked Chinese chicken wings:

• Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories per serving (3-4 wings)
• Protein: About 16-20 grams per serving
• Fat: Around 10-15 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: About 5-10 grams per serving
• Sodium: Approximately 400-500 milligrams per serving
• Potassium: Around 200-250 milligrams per serving
• Calcium: Approximately 20-30 milligrams per serving
• Cholesterol: About 60-80 milligrams per serving
• Vitamin A: Around 100-150 International Units per serving
• Vitamin C: Approximately 1-2 milligrams per serving
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram per serving

As you can see, baked Chinese chicken wings are a good source of protein, but they are also high in sodium and cholesterol. If you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to consider using low-sodium soy sauce in the recipe. You can also reduce the amount of salt in the marinade by using garlic and ginger to add flavour instead.

If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can try using shrimp or prawns instead of chicken wings. Simply marinate the shrimp in the same marinade as the chicken wings and bake in the oven until cooked through. You can also add some chopped scallions and sesame seeds to the dish for extra flavour and texture.

Overall, baked Chinese chicken wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken wings. They are easy to make and perfect for a party or a quick weeknight dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my baked chicken wings to be crispy?

To achieve crispy baked chicken wings, it is important to dry them thoroughly before baking. Pat the chicken wings dry with kitchen paper, then coat them in a thin layer of oil and season well. You can also use baking powder to help crisp up the skin.

What's the trick to a sticky glaze for chicken wings?

A sticky glaze for chicken wings can be achieved by using a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients. Honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce are common ingredients used in Chinese-style chicken wing recipes. You can also add garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes to give the glaze a little kick.

Should I marinate my chicken wings before baking them?

Marinating chicken wings before baking can help to infuse them with flavour. A simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can work well for Chinese-style chicken wings. However, it is not necessary to marinate the wings before baking them.

Can I achieve a fried wing texture in the oven?

While it is not possible to achieve the exact texture of a fried chicken wing in the oven, you can still get crispy and delicious wings by using a combination of baking powder and oil.

What are the best spices to use for a Chinese-style chicken wing recipe?

Chinese-style chicken wings are often seasoned with a combination of garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can also add a little sesame oil and rice vinegar for added flavour.

How can I make my chicken wings have a sweet and spicy Asian flavour?

To give your chicken wings a sweet and spicy Asian flavour, you can use a combination of honey, soy sauce, and chilli flakes. You can also add a little hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce for added umami flavour. If you want to include seafood in the recipe, you can add some chopped prawns or scallops to the glaze for a delicious twist.