Simple Grilled Asian Wings
Simple Grilled Asian Wings have a hint of sweet and spice with the flavors of sesame, honey, garlic and ginger. The perfect wing for those who love flavor without all the sauce.
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Where do I start with these oh so yummy Simple Grilled Asian Wings? My husband and I worked on this recipe a few months ago during football season and I am kicking myself that I didn’t get this up sooner. Wings and football go hand in hand, as I learned from my husband a few years ago. He had been on the road working but was in Southern California. I met up with him at the hotel bar and we had a wings and a football date. I really had never been much into wings prior to that point, but once I had them I was hooked. As good as those wings were that day,ย I love that my favorite family farm, Primal Pastures , sells these wonderfully organic and pasture raised wings. They are big, meaty and perfect for the grill. The marinade for these beauties literally only takes minutes to make. Marinade them over night, grill on the low the next day and you will have Simple Grilled Asian Wings that are much healthier than anything you can buy in a restaurant.
Variations of the Recipe
- Asian Fusion- Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the marinade for an extra umami kick.
- Citrus Twist-ย Include the zest and juice of an orange or lime for a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy- Mix in a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce to balance the heat with sweetness.
- Crunchy Freshness- Add sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro just before serving for extra fresh flavor and crunch.
ย How to Store
- Refrigeration- Store any leftover grilled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing- If you plan to freeze the wings, do so before marinating. Thaw in the refrigerator and marinate before grilling.
Serving Suggestions
- Cooling Dips- Serve with a side of cooling dipping sauces like Tzatziki Sauce, Creamy Ranch, or a yogurt-based sauce to contrast the heat.
- Vegetable Medley- Pair with grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, Roasted Zucchini, or Roasted Asparagus for a balanced meal.
- Refreshing Sides- Serve alongside a crisp Asian-inspired slawย as or a cucumber salad to refresh the palate.
Tips for Simple Grilled Asian Wings
- Marinade takes 10 mins to make. Use 1/2- 1 tsp powdered ginger and it becomes even faster.
- Marinate the chicken for a full 24 hours and my oh my, does the flavor intensify.
- Wanna kick up the heat a bit? Double up the Sriracha and chili pepper flakes in the marinade. If you really want to walk on the wild side, add a cut up a habanero.
- Make sure to preheat the grill for about 5 mins. Grill low and slow for 8-10 mins per side for large wings and 6-8 mins for smaller wings.
- Not thrilled with the charred part of the wing? Just skip the grilling on high at the end and add a few more mins on low.
- Ensure all wings are evenly coated by giving the ziplock bag a good shake during the marinating process.
- Closing the grill lid helps retain heat and infuse the wings with smoky flavors during the cooking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wings work great, you can use drumsticks or even chicken thighs for a different twist. Adjust grilling times accordingly.
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to marinate the wings overnight?
Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the wings fully, but you can marinate for at least 4 hours for good results if time is limited.
How spicy are the wings with Sriracha and chili pepper flakes?
The spiciness can be adjusted by reducing the amount of Sriracha or omitting the chili pepper flakes. Taste the marinade and adjust according to your spice preference.
Can I bake the wings instead of grilling them?
Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for approximately 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Can I double or half this recipe easily?
Yes, this Asian wing marinade scales up or down perfectly. Just adjust the number of wings and the amount of marinade as needed.
Ingredients
- 16 wings
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce *or tamari for gluten free
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1 inch ginger *peeled & grated
- 5-6 garlic cloves *minced or crushed, aboy 2 tbsp
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
Instructions
- In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk oil with soy sauce, vinegar, honey and Sriracha. Stir in chili pepper flakes, garlic and ginger.
- Rinse off wings and place in a large ziplock bag. Pour marinade over wings and close making sure to release excess air. Give the wings a good shake making sure they are covered in marinade. Let marinade over night or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill on low for 5-10 mins. Grill large wings for 8-10 mins per side with the lid closed and small wings for 6-8 mins per side.
- Once grilled on both sides kick the heat up to high for 4 mins for slightly charred areas. If skipping the last 4 mins, additional time may be needed on low heat.