These Easy Vietnamese Chicken Wings are packed with flavor and super simple to make! They are coated in a tasty sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness.
Nothing beats the joy of munching on these crispy wings while watching your favorite show. Just be careful—these wings might disappear faster than you’d think! 😂
I love serving them with a side of fresh veggies or rice. They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Using drumettes and flats gives a great mix of textures. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead for more tenderness.
Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce enhances the flavor without being too salty. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos as substitutes.
Fish Sauce: This adds a unique umami flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or mushroom soy sauce instead. Just adjust the salt since fish sauce has a salty bite.
Honey: For sweetness, honey works well, but if you’re vegan, agave nectar or maple syrup are great substitutes! Adjust to taste.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a zing! You can use ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh is always tastier.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Wings?
Crispy chicken wings are all about good cooking techniques. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Preheat your oven well to cook evenly and keep the wings crispy.
- Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier. Don’t skip this step!
- To enhance crispiness, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) so they caramelize nicely without burning.
- For added texture, brush the wings with the thickened glaze during baking—this creates a delicious sticky crust.
Easy Vietnamese Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably light soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted chopped peanuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. After that, you’ll need about 40 minutes for baking. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 55 minutes to delicious wing perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, vegetable oil, and rice vinegar (or lime juice). This yummy marinade will soak into the wings and make them super flavorful!
2. Marinate the Wings:
Add the chicken wings to your marinade and toss them around to make sure they’re all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have the time, letting them sit for 3 to 4 hours, or even overnight, will give the best flavor.
3. Preheat and Prepare:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This helps the air circulate around the wings for crispiness!
4. Arrange the Wings:
Take the marinated chicken wings out of the fridge and place them on the wire rack in a single layer. Don’t forget to keep the leftover marinade for later!
5. Bake the Wings:
Put the wings in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. This will get them nice and cooked through!
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the wings are baking, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Glaze the Wings:
After the first 25 minutes, open the oven and brush the wings generously with your thickened glaze. Return the wings to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized and slightly charred!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the wings out of the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts on top for a nice crunch and freshness.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Vietnamese chicken wings immediately on a platter, and get ready for everyone to enjoy this sticky, flavorful treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels before marinating to remove excess moisture.
How Long Can I Marinate the Wings?
The wings can be marinated for a minimum of 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinating them for 3 to 4 hours or overnight is recommended. Just ensure they’re covered and stored in the refrigerator!
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you prefer not to use fish sauce, try substituting it with an equal amount of soy sauce or mushroom soy sauce for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly, but the wings will still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave them, though the oven will help maintain their crispiness.
