Smoked Korean Chicken Wings

Today, I’m diving headfirst into the tantalizing world of smoked Korean chicken wings. You know what I’m talking about, right? Those finger-licking, spicy, and sweet wings that are absolutely to die for. So, grab your aprons, and let’s get smokin’!

How to Make Smoked Korean Chicken Wings

I’ll kick things off with a quick rundown of the recipe. It’s a mouthwatering journey, I promise!

1. Marinate the Wings: Start by marinating those chicken wings with a mix of soy sauce, gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Let them hang out in this flavor bath for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Fire Up the Smoker: Get your smoker going with your favorite wood chips. And here’s the kicker, the type of wood chips you choose can really amp up the flavor. But hold tight, we’ll get into that in a bit.
3. Smoke the Wings: Pop those marinated wings onto the smoker racks and let them smoke away at around 225°F (107°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until they reach that perfect golden brown.
4. Glaze and Grill: While your wings are smoking, whip up a lip-smacking glaze with honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Brush that goodness on the wings and finish them off on a hot grill for that charred, caramelized magic.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate up your Smoked Korean Chicken Wings and garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Trust me; it’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget!

What type of wood chips to use for this recipe?

Now, let’s talk wood chips because they play a significant role in the smoky symphony of these wings. You see, the type of wood you choose can influence the flavor profile. Oak and applewood are my top picks for this recipe. Oak provides a robust smokiness that stands up to the bold Korean flavors, while applewood adds a subtle sweetness that complements the glaze beautifully. But hey, feel free to experiment and find your own perfect combo!

Additional Tips

Alright, it’s time to drop some wisdom bombs on you to ensure your wings are a slam dunk every time:

1. Temperature Control: Keep an eagle eye on that smoker temperature. Low and slow is the name of the game, my friends. Maintain that 225°F (107°C) sweet spot for the best results.
2. Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on quality ingredients, especially the gochujang and sesame oil. They’re the stars of the show, so go for the good stuff!
3. Patience is Key: The marinating and smoking times are essential. Rushing through these steps will leave you with wings that just don’t have that irresistible depth of flavor.

What to serve

Now, you might be wondering what to serve alongside these flavor-packed wings. Well, let me spill the beans. A side of kimchi and pickled radishes can cut through the heat and add a delightful crunch. And don’t forget a cold brew or a Korean lager to wash it all down. You’re in for a treat!

What to do with leftovers

So, you’ve indulged in these smoked wonders, and you’ve got some leftovers. No worries, my friends, because those wings are versatile! Toss ’em in a salad, add them to a stir-fry, or simply reheat them for a quick snack. Leftovers never tasted this good.

So there you have it, a mouthwatering journey into the world of smoked Korean chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just treating yourself to some finger-licking goodness, this recipe is a surefire winner. So, grab that smoker, get creative with your wood chips, and let the smoky magic happen.

Thanks a million for hanging out with me today, folks! Remember, in the world of cooking, there’s no right or wrong—just delicious adventures waiting to be savored. Until next time, happy smoking, and may your wings always be crispy, juicy, and bursting with Korean flavor. Catch you on the smoky side, my friends!

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Smoked Korean Chicken Wings

Discover the secrets to perfecting smoked Korean chicken wings with our easy recipe. Elevate your next gathering with these mouthwatering appetizers.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Marinating 1 hour

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 pounds 900g chicken wings
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean red pepper paste
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1- inch piece of ginger minced

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

Marinate the Wings

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved and the marinade is well mixed.
2. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and mix until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.

Fire Up the Smoker

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using either charcoal or an electric smoker. Place a smoker thermometer inside to monitor the temperature accurately.
2. While the smoker is heating up, soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Drain them before using.

Smoke the Wings

1. Remove the marinated chicken wings from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while your smoker reaches the desired temperature.
2. Once the smoker is ready, add the drained wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the hot coals if using a charcoal smoker.
3. Place the chicken wings on the smoker racks, leaving space between each wing to allow for even smoking.
4. Close the smoker lid and let the wings smoke for 2-3 hours, maintaining a constant temperature of 225°F (107°C). Monitor the smoker's temperature and add more wood chips as needed to maintain a consistent smoky flavor.

Glaze and Grill

1. While the wings are smoking, prepare the glaze by combining honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat it over low heat until it's well mixed and slightly thickened. Set aside.
2. Once the wings have smoked and reached a beautiful golden brown color, carefully transfer them to a hot grill preheated to high heat.
3. Brush the glaze generously over each wing and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are charred and caramelized to perfection.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate up your smoked Korean chicken wings, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve hot.