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Flavorful Fish Sauce Caramel Chicken Wings

fish sauce caramel chicken wings - featured image

These chicken wings feature a sticky, sweet-salty glaze made from caramelized sugar and umami-rich fish sauce, delivering a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce (recommend Red Boat)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water (60ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then let simmer without stirring until it turns deep amber (about 5-7 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Quickly stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Add fish sauce and chili flakes, stirring to combine. The liquid will bubble vigorously.
  4. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry wings in batches about 8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Alternatively, roast wings at 425°F on a wire rack-lined baking sheet for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway.
  5. Transfer cooked wings into the caramel sauce skillet. Toss constantly with tongs to coat evenly and let glaze thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes until wings are sticky and shiny.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Watch the sugar carefully while caramelizing to avoid burning. Pat wings dry for crispiness. Toss wings quickly in sauce to prevent clumping. For oil-free version, roast wings on wire rack. Add water to loosen sauce if it thickens too much. Use gluten-free fish sauce for gluten-free diet. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wings, fish sauce, caramel chicken wings, sticky wings, easy chicken wings, party snacks, appetizer, sweet and salty wings