Hey guys! Craving something seriously delicious? Then you've GOT to try this recipe for Korean crispy wings, inspired by the famous Moon Chicken. We're talking wings so crispy they practically shatter, coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that will have you licking your fingers clean. Trust me, once you make these, you'll never look at regular wings the same way again.

What Makes These Wings So Special?

Okay, so what sets these Korean crispy wings apart from the rest? It's all about the double-frying technique. This is the secret to achieving that unbelievably crispy skin. The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry crisps it up to golden perfection. Then, there's the sauce. Forget those cloying, overly sweet sauces you find on some wings. This sauce is a carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and a touch of sweetness. It's complex, flavorful, and totally addictive. What i like most about this recipe is that you can adjust the heat. Not a fan of spicy food? Simply reduce the amount of gochujang. Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). It's totally customizable to your taste. The ingredients in this recipe are very easy to find in your local supermarket, so you don't have to worry if the store is far away from your home, also the ingredients are very affordable, perfect for those of you who want to save money, but still want to eat delicious food that is restaurant quality. You can also make this recipe as a business idea, guaranteed to sell well and make a lot of profit, especially if your cooking is delicious. You can add a variety of flavors to attract buyers. These wings are perfect for parties, game nights, or just a casual weeknight dinner. They're always a crowd-pleaser, and they're surprisingly easy to make. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your fryer, and get ready to experience the best Korean crispy wings you've ever had!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's make sure you have everything you need. Don't worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and the rest are easily found at your local grocery store. For the wings, you'll need about 2 pounds of chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes. Make sure they're patted dry before you start. This is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. For the marinade, you'll need soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. These ingredients will infuse the wings with flavor from the inside out. Now, for the all-important crispy coating, you'll need cornstarch and potato starch. This combination creates a light, airy, and incredibly crispy crust. And finally, for the sauce, you'll need soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), honey (or maple syrup), garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of rice vinegar. These ingredients will create a sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the crispy wings. Having all the necessary ingredients ensures that the cooking process runs smoothly. Plus, it prevents you from having to make last-minute trips to the store, which can be a real time-saver, especially if you're cooking for a large group. A well-stocked pantry is essential for any home cook. It allows you to whip up delicious meals at a moment's notice, without having to rely on takeout or pre-packaged foods. By keeping your pantry organized and stocked with essential ingredients, you'll be able to create a wide variety of dishes, from simple weeknight dinners to elaborate weekend feasts. Also, remember to buy quality products, so that you can have delicious and yummy moon chicken wings.

Here's a Detailed Breakdown:

• For the Wings:
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Crispy Coating:
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup potato starch
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part! Let's get down to business and make these amazing Korean crispy wings. First, marinate the wings. In a large bowl, combine the wings with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the wings and make them even more delicious. Next, prepare the crispy coating. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and potato starch. Mix well. This combination of starches is the key to achieving that ultra-crispy texture. Now, coat the wings. Dredge each wing in the starch mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess starch. This will prevent the wings from becoming too thick or gummy. Time to fry! Heat about 3 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and lightly golden brown. Remove the wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain. Now, for the secret to the extra crispy skin: the double fry! Increase the heat of the oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings again for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and incredibly crispy. Remove the wings from the oil and place them back on the wire rack to drain. While the wings are frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Finally, toss the wings in the sauce. In a large bowl, combine the fried wings with the sauce. Toss well to coat the wings evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Korean crispy wings! For the best experience, serve the wings hot and crispy. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra gochujang sauce, to cater to different tastes.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Marinate the Wings: In a bowl, mix wings with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Marinate for 30+ mins (or overnight).
2. Prep Crispy Coating: Combine cornstarch and potato starch in a separate bowl.
3. Coat the Wings: Dredge each wing in the starch mixture, shake off excess.
4. First Fry: Heat oil to 325°F (160°C). Fry wings in batches for 8-10 mins, until cooked and lightly golden.
5. Double Fry: Increase oil heat to 375°F (190°C). Fry wings again for 2-3 mins, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the Sauce: Simmer soy sauce, gochujang, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and water in a saucepan until thickened.
7. Toss & Serve: Combine fried wings with sauce in a bowl, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Korean Crispy Wings

Want to make sure your Korean crispy wings are absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, make sure your wings are completely dry before coating them in the starch mixture. This will help the coating adhere better and prevent the wings from becoming soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels, and even let them air dry in the refrigerator for a while if you have time. Second, don't overcrowd the fryer. Frying the wings in batches will help maintain the oil temperature and ensure that they cook evenly. Overcrowding the fryer can lower the oil temperature, which can result in greasy, undercooked wings. Third, use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. If the oil is too hot, the wings will burn on the outside before they are cooked through on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the wings will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Fourth, don't be afraid to experiment with the sauce. The sauce is where you can really customize the flavor of your wings. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang to your liking, or add other ingredients like sriracha, chili flakes, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist. Fifth, serve the wings immediately. Korean crispy wings are best enjoyed hot and crispy. If you're not serving them right away, you can keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) until you're ready to serve them. The choice of oil can also affect the quality of your wings. Oils with a high smoke point, like peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, are ideal for deep frying. These oils can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or imparting a strong flavor to the wings. Also, be sure to use a clean pot or deep fryer. Leftover food particles in the oil can burn and affect the flavor of the wings.

Variations and Substitutions

Okay, so you've mastered the basic Korean crispy wings recipe. Now, let's talk about some fun variations and substitutions you can try. Want to make it even spicier? Add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the sauce. Or, for a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika. If you're not a fan of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use brown sugar or corn syrup, but keep in mind that these sweeteners may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce. If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. However, be sure to use a smaller amount, as these vinegars are more acidic than rice vinegar. Want to make these wings vegetarian? Substitute the chicken wings with cauliflower florets. Toss the cauliflower in the same marinade and coating as the wings, and then bake or air fry them until crispy. For a healthier option, you can bake the wings instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy. You can also air fry the wings for a similar result. Air frying requires less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier option. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the wings to ensure that they are fully cooked.

What to Serve with Your Wings

These Korean crispy wings are delicious on their own, but they're even better when paired with the right side dishes. For a classic Korean meal, serve them with rice and kimchi. The rice will help soak up the flavorful sauce, while the kimchi will provide a spicy and tangy contrast to the wings. Another great option is to serve them with a side of pickled radish. The pickled radish will add a refreshing and crunchy element to the meal. If you're looking for something a little more substantial, try serving them with a side of japchae (Korean glass noodles). Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet noodle dish that is often served as a side dish or appetizer. You can also serve them with a simple salad. A light and refreshing salad will help balance out the richness of the wings. For a fun and casual meal, serve them with french fries or onion rings. These classic sides are always a crowd-pleaser. If you're serving these wings at a party, be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. These wings are messy, but they're so worth it! You can also provide your guests with wet wipes or hand sanitizer to help them clean up after eating. Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces to complement the wings. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and extra gochujang sauce are all popular choices. Also, be sure to have a variety of beverages on hand to quench your guests' thirst. Beer, soda, and iced tea are all great options. For a Korean-inspired drink, try serving Sikhye (sweet rice beverage) or Sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch).

Enjoy Your Homemade Korean Crispy Wings!

There you have it! A complete guide to making the most amazing Korean crispy wings, inspired by Moon Chicken. These wings are crispy, flavorful, and totally addictive. They're perfect for parties, game nights, or just a casual weeknight dinner. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your fryer, and get ready to experience the best Korean crispy wings you've ever had. And remember, don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite spices, adjust the sweetness level, or try different dipping sauces. The possibilities are endless! Happy cooking, and enjoy!