Crispy Perfection: Mastering the Chinese Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you've probably tried their crispy and flavorful fried chicken wings. But what if you could make them at home? With this Chinese fried chicken wings recipe, you can! This easy-to-make copycat recipe will allow you to enjoy this popular dish in the comfort of your own home.

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include chicken wings, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, eggs, and cornstarch. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or scallops would make great additions to this dish.

To prepare the chicken wings, you'll need to marinate them in a mixture of the seasonings listed above. Once they're coated evenly, you'll need to pan-fry them until they're crispy and golden brown. Serve them with your favourite hot sauce or side dish, and enjoy!

Ingredients Breakdown

If you want to make delicious Chinese fried chicken wings, you need to pay attention to the ingredients you use. Here is a breakdown of the essential ingredients you will need to make this recipe:

Chicken Wings and Cuts

The most crucial ingredient for this recipe is the chicken wings. You can use whole chicken wings or drumettes. It is recommended that you use fresh chicken wings and cut them into sections. You can also use other types of poultry such as duck or quail if you prefer.

Marinade Essentials

The secret to getting the perfect flavour for your fried chicken wings is in the marinade. A good marinade will make your chicken wings juicy, tender and packed with flavour. You will need soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar, white pepper and egg to make the marinade.

Coating and Breading

The coating and breading of the chicken wings are what make them crispy on the outside. You will need cornstarch and all-purpose flour to make the coating. You can also use potato starch if you prefer.

Oil and Frying

The type of oil you use to fry the chicken wings is also important. Peanut oil is the most commonly used oil for frying chicken wings, but you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese fried chicken wings recipe, you can use shrimp or squid. Shrimp can be added to the marinade, while squid can be used in the coating.

Using the right ingredients and following the proper steps will ensure that you end up with delicious Chinese fried chicken wings.

Preparation Guide

Preparing Chinese fried chicken wings may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve a crispy and flavourful dish that will satisfy your cravings. Here's a guide to help you prepare the perfect Chinese fried chicken wings.

Marinating Process

Marinating the chicken wings is an essential step in this recipe. It helps to infuse the meat with flavour and tenderize it. To marinate the chicken wings, start by mixing together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also add ginger or other spices to enhance the flavour.

Once the marinade is prepared, add the chicken wings to the mixture and make sure that they are well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate the chicken wings overnight to allow the flavours to fully penetrate the meat.

Breading Technique

The coating of the chicken wings is what gives it its crispy texture. To create the perfect coating, prepare a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour. You can also add spices like black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to the mixture to enhance the flavour.

To bread the chicken wings, remove them from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Dip each wing into the flour mixture and make sure that it is fully coated. You can also double-coat the wings for an extra crispy texture by dipping them in the marinade again and then back into the flour mixture.

Frying Methodology

Deep frying the chicken wings is the final step in this recipe. To do this, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the chicken wings to the hot oil and fry for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once the chicken wings are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or squid can be used as a substitute or addition to the chicken wings. Simply marinate the seafood in the same marinade as the chicken wings and follow the same breading and frying techniques.

Cooking Instructions

Deep Frying Tips

To achieve the perfect golden, crispy texture for your Chinese fried chicken wings, it is important to follow a few deep frying tips. First, heat your frying oil to the right temperature. You can use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying. The ideal temperature for frying chicken wings is around 350-375°F (180-190°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.

Next, make sure to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before frying. This will help to remove any excess moisture and prevent splattering. You can also coat the chicken wings with a mixture of all-purpose flour and baking powder to create a crunchy outer layer.

When frying the chicken wings, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy wings. Fry the wings in batches and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Achieving the Perfect Crispiness

To achieve the perfect crispiness for your Chinese fried chicken wings, it is important to use the right ingredients and cooking techniques. For the batter, you can use a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This will create a light and crispy texture for the chicken wings.

Before frying, you can marinate the chicken wings in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic powder, and ginger powder. This will add flavour to the chicken wings and help to tenderize the meat.

When frying, make sure to shake off any excess batter from the chicken wings before placing them in the hot oil. This will help to create a more even and crispy coating. You can also fry the wings twice for extra crispiness.

Oven Baking Alternative

If you prefer a healthier alternative to deep-fried Chinese chicken wings, you can also oven bake them. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken wings on a wire rack over a baking tray. Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

To add some seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or prawns as a coating for the chicken wings. Simply coat the shrimp or prawns in the same batter mixture as the chicken wings and fry or bake them along with the wings. This will add a delicious seafood flavour and texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When serving Chinese fried chicken wings, you have a variety of options for accompaniments. One popular choice is to serve them with fried rice, either vegetable or roast pork fried rice. You can also serve them with plain white rice, which pairs well with a spicy hot sauce or hot oil.

If you're looking for something a bit more indulgent, consider serving the wings with a side of French fries. The crispy texture of the fries pairs well with the juicy chicken wings. Alternatively, you can add some scallions to the fries for a pop of freshness.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chilli sauce is a great accompaniment to Chinese fried chicken wings. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own by mixing together chilli flakes, garlic, and vinegar.

If you want to add some seafood to your meal, consider serving the wings with a side of shrimp or crab fried rice. The sweetness of the seafood complements the savoury flavour of the chicken wings.

Presentation Tips

When serving Chinese fried chicken wings, presentation is key. To make your meal look more appetising, consider garnishing the wings with some chopped scallions. This will add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.

You can also serve the wings in a large bowl or platter, with the accompaniments arranged neatly around them. This will make the meal look more inviting and encourage your guests to dig in.

Another presentation tip is to serve the wings on a bed of lettuce leaves. This not only makes the dish look more attractive, but also helps to absorb any excess oil from the chicken wings.

By following these serving suggestions and presentation tips, you can elevate your Chinese fried chicken wings to the next level and impress your guests.

Additional Information

Nutritional Facts

Chinese fried chicken wings are a tasty and satisfying snack, but they are not the healthiest option out there. One serving of Chinese fried chicken wings (about 3 wings) contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the recipe. They are also high in fat and sodium, which can be harmful to your health if consumed in large amounts. However, they are a good source of protein and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storage Advice

If you have leftovers, you can store Chinese fried chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can use a microwave or oven. However, be aware that reheating them may cause the skin to lose its crispiness. To preserve the texture and flavour, it is recommended to reheat them in the oven.

Substitution Options

If you want to make a healthier version of Chinese fried chicken wings, you can use skinless chicken breast instead of wings. You can also use a mixture of spices and herbs to flavour the chicken, instead of using a batter. Another option is to use seafood instead of chicken. Shrimp, squid, and fish are all good options for making Chinese-style fried seafood. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks faster than chicken.

Overall, Chinese fried chicken wings are a delicious and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed in moderation. They are juicy, tender, and packed with umami and savory flavours. With a few simple substitutions and storage tips, you can make them a healthier option that can be enjoyed any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get that perfect crispiness in Chinese-style fried chicken wings?

The key to achieving that perfect crispy texture is to double-fry the chicken wings. This means frying them once at a lower temperature to cook the meat through, and then frying them again at a higher temperature to crisp up the skin. You can also add cornstarch to the chicken wings before frying to help achieve that extra crunch.

Can you share an easy recipe for Chinese fried chicken wings?

Sure! Mix together soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add chicken wings to the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, coat the chicken wings in a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Fry the chicken wings until golden brown and crispy.

What's the secret behind the yellow colour of Chinese fried chicken wings?

Turmeric powder is often used to achieve the yellow colour in Chinese fried chicken wings. However, some recipes use food colouring instead.

What ingredients go into a Chinese chicken wings marinade?

A typical Chinese chicken wings marinade includes soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and sugar. You can also add other seasonings such as ginger, five-spice powder, or chilli flakes for extra flavour.

What's the best way to make Chinese-style fried chicken at home?

The best way to make Chinese-style fried chicken at home is to double-fry the chicken wings. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. You can also add cornstarch to the chicken wings before frying to help achieve that extra crunch.

What is typically included in a Chinese chicken batter for that authentic taste?

A typical Chinese chicken batter includes all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and water. Some recipes also call for egg white or beer to help create a light and crispy batter. If you want to add seafood to your batter, you can use prawn or fish paste to enhance the flavour.