Spicy Asian-Inspired Chicken Wings Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Asian Marinade

Original Recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Ingredients

• cup Asian chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 pounds jumbo chicken wings, tips removed

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chile paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime juice.
2. Transfer the marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken wings to the bag and ensure they are fully coated with the marinade.
3. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag and seal it. Marinate the wings in the refrigerator for 3 hours or up to overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the chicken wings from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade.
6. Place the chicken wings on the preheated grill and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are fully cooked and the juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 252
• Fat: 16g
• Carbs: 11g
• Protein: 20g

Nutrition Breakdown

• Total Fat: 16g (20% of Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (25% of Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 59mg (20% of Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1187mg (52% of Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4% of Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% of Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 20g (40% of Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (4% of Daily Value)
• Calcium: 19mg (1% of Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (6% of Daily Value)
• Potassium: 187mg (4% of Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: The nutrition data includes the full amount of the marinade ingredients. The actual amount of marinade consumed will vary based on usage.

History of the Dish

The origins of spicy chicken wings with Asian flavors can be traced back to the fusion of traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking techniques with Western influences, particularly in the United States. Chicken wings have long been a popular snack in both Chinese and American cuisine, but the addition of bold, spicy marinades using ingredients like soy sauce, sambal oelek, and fish sauce brought a new dimension to the dish. These wings are a modern adaptation of traditional flavors, combining the savory umami of soy and fish sauce with the heat from chili paste, making them a favorite in fusion cuisine.

Regional Characteristics

Asian-inspired chicken wings are often found in regions where both Chinese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions thrive, such as in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. In Southeast Asia, chicken wings are commonly grilled or fried and served with spicy dipping sauces. The use of sambal oelek, a chili paste from Indonesia, reflects the influence of Southeast Asian spice profiles, where heat and savory depth are key elements of the cuisine. Fish sauce, a staple in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, adds a distinct salty umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the wings.

Differences from Similar Dishes

What sets Spicy Asian-Inspired Chicken Wings apart from other wing recipes is its use of Asian ingredients like sambal oelek, fish sauce, and soy sauce, which are not typically found in traditional American buffalo wings or BBQ wings. While buffalo wings are characterized by their tangy, buttery, and vinegary flavor, and BBQ wings are often sweet and smoky, these Asian-inspired wings focus on a balance of heat, saltiness, and umami. The grilling method also provides a slightly charred exterior, which complements the complex flavors of the marinade. This recipe leans heavily into aromatic spices and fresh ginger, making it distinctively more aromatic than traditional wing preparations.

Where They're Usually Served

Spicy Asian-Inspired Chicken Wings are typically served at Asian fusion restaurants, bars, and at home as a flavorful appetizer. They're especially popular in gatherings such as game nights, BBQs, and casual parties. They are also commonly featured in Asian-themed restaurants, often as part of a larger menu that includes dishes like spring rolls, dumplings, or skewers. In many cases, these wings can be found as a starter on menus that focus on grilled or fried dishes with bold, spicy flavors.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that chicken wings have become an iconic American dish in the form of Buffalo wings, invented in Buffalo, New York in 1964? The original version of wings was deep-fried and coated in a tangy vinegar-based hot sauce, which was a far cry from the Asian-inspired version. As the popularity of chicken wings grew, various regional versions emerged, with many restaurants experimenting with different sauces and marinades, leading to the creation of fusion recipes like these spicy Asian wings. The addition of ginger and lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also offers health benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing a vitamin C boost. With the global popularity of spicy and bold flavors, Asian-inspired chicken wings have earned their place in the world of comfort food.

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