Korean Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Crispy Korean-style fried chicken wings tossed in a sticky, spicy garlic sauce that delivers bold flavor and crunch. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends split at joints chicken wings, cornstarch, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, split at joints chicken wings
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs chicken wings with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with 1 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F. Fry wings in batches for 8 minutes until pale golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on a rack.
- Step 3: Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Fry wings again, in batches, for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and extra crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Step 6: Toss the twice-fried wings in the hot sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Korean Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Spicy Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Spicy Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Korean Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Spicy Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Korean Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Spicy Garlic Sauce?
Korean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.