For the wing-lover in your life who’s tried it all, these Chinese five-spice wings are sure to impress.
YIELDS
4
Ingredients
Sichuan Pepper Hot Honey
1 cup (240 ml) honey
2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground Sichuan pepper
1 teaspoon (5 ml) red pepper flakes
Salt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
Chinese Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Vegetable oil, for frying
2/3 cup (160 ml) cornstarch
2/3 cup (160 ml) flour, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground Chinese five-spice
Salt
1 1/4 cup (300 ml) sparkling water, chilled
2 pounds (907 g) chicken wings
Directions
Sichuan Pepper Hot Honey
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the honey, Sichuan pepper, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Gently simmer for five minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Reserve until needed.
Chinese Five-Spice Chicken Wings
In a large pot, heat the frying oil to 350° F (175° C) over high heat.
In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and Chinese five-spice. Season the mixture well with salt.
Whisk the sparkling water into the mixture until a smooth batter is formed.
Dust the wings in a light coating of flour, then dip them into the batter.
Fry the battered wings until golden and slightly crispy, roughly five to six minutes. Fry in batches so as not to lower the temperature of the oil too greatly.
Lift the wings out of the oil with a wire strainer and let drain for 10 minutes.
Drop the wings into the hot oil again and let fry for five to six minutes, until the batter is golden brown and very crispy.
Transfer the cooked wings to a paper towel-lined tray and season with salt. Repeat the process for the remaining wings.
Gently reheat the Sichuan Pepper Hot Honey.
Transfer the wings to a serving platter, drizzle with Sichuan Pepper Hot Honey and serve immediately. Enjoy!