The first bite of these Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings transports me straight to a bustling street food market, where each flavorful crunch dances with a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It all started when I found myself daydreaming about a trip to Vietnam, longing for those vibrant culinary experiences. With just a few ingredients and a hint of creativity, I decided to bring that magic into my own kitchen.
These wings are not your typical game day snack. The glaze, infused with tangy fish sauce and zesty lime, elevates this classic dish into something extraordinary, making them irresistible for anyone craving homemade goodness. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for a special dinner or a casual get-together.
When you serve up these wings, expect raving reviews and satisfied smiles from your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings?
Bold flavors: The combination of fish sauce, lime, and sugar creates a truly exciting marinade that delivers a balanced taste explosion.
Effortless preparation: With a simple marinating process and straightforward frying technique, even novice cooks will impress their guests.
Crowd-pleaser: These wings are perfect for any gathering, guaranteed to satisfy both friends and family alike.
Unique twist: Instead of typical buffalo flavors, these wings offer a fresh take that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick cooking: In just under an hour, you can serve up these flavorful delights, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings Ingredients
• Get ready to make magic in your kitchen!
For the Chicken Wings
• 3 lbs chicken wings – Choose fresh wings for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and enhances the savory profile.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – Offers a subtle warmth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder – Elevates the umami taste in your wings.
• Vegetable or neutral oil – Perfect for deep frying, ensures a crispy texture.
• 3/4 cup corn starch – This will give your wings that irresistible crunch.
For the Glaze
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce – The star ingredient that provides that unique Vietnamese flair.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Balances the salty and tangy flavors beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice – Adds a refreshing zing to the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons fried garlic – Sprinkled on top, it adds texture and mouthwatering aroma.
How to Make Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings
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Clean the Chicken: Start by rubbing the chicken wings with coarse salt, which helps reduce any strong poultry aroma. Rinse them well and pat dry with paper towels for optimal frying results.
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Marinate the Wings: Combine garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chicken bouillon powder in a bowl. Coat the wings generously with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
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Prepare for Frying: Dust the marinated wings with corn starch, shaking off any excess. This step is key for achieving that coveted crispy texture when fried.
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Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a tall skillet, warming it up to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken wings in small batches, deep frying each batch for about 8 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, mix together fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Heat gently for about 30 seconds, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
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Coat and Serve: In a large bowl, toss the fried wings with your delicious glaze until they’re nicely coated. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fried garlic for that extra crunch, and serve them hot!
Optional: Garnish with lime wedges for an extra zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings
- Prepping Wings: Thoroughly clean the wings with coarse salt to ensure no strong poultry smell remains, enhancing the overall flavor of your wings.
- Marination Time: Allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this step is crucial for maximizing flavor absorption, making your Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings irresistible.
- Cornstarch Coating: Don’t rush the cornstarch coating! It’s key to achieving that glorious crunch; make sure to shake off excess so the wings fry perfectly.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check oil temperature before frying. Too hot, and the wings may burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Frying in Batches: Fry wings in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature; overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy results.
- Glaze Timing: Coat the wings with the glaze right after frying for the best flavor and enjoyable stickiness that makes these wings so special.
What to Serve with Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings?
Elevate your meal with perfect pairings that bring out the delightful fusion of flavors in your wings.
- Crispy Fried Rice: This dish absorbs the savory glaze while adding a delightful crunch, creating a harmony of textures that complement the wings beautifully.
- Tropical Mango Salad: A refreshing salad brightens the plate with juicy mango and a zingy dressing, perfectly cutting through the rich flavors of the fried chicken.
- Savory Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet and salty fries add contrast, making every bite of chicken even more rewarding. Plus, they’re simply fun to eat!
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Delicate and fragrant, this helps balance the bold flavors and brings a fresh touch to your meal. It’s a vibrant addition!
- Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled carrots and radishes provides an excellent contrast, enhancing both taste and aesthetics on the plate.
- Cold Beverages: Pair with a chilled herbal iced tea or a crisp lager, which refreshes the palate and complements the complex flavor profile of the wings.
- Chocolate Mousse: Indulge with a light chocolate mousse for dessert, ideal for ending the meal on a sweet note that keeps guests coming back for more!
With these complementing options, your meal will surely leave a lasting impression!
Variations & Substitutions for Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings
Feel free to get creative and customize these wings to match your taste preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornstarch or rice flour as a coating to keep these wings suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the glaze for an exciting heat that will have your taste buds dancing!
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Hoisin Twist: Substitute half of the fish sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor profile that still maintains a delightful umami.
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Herb-Infused: Toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions along with the fried garlic for a burst of freshness on top of the wings.
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Baked Alternative: For a healthier option, bake your wings at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through for that crispy finish without frying.
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Coconut Flavor: Mix a tablespoon of coconut milk into the glaze for a creamy, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the fish sauce.
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Citrus Varieties: Swap lime juice for orange juice to give a sweet and zesty twist to the glaze, inviting a different flavor dimension.
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Savory Marinade: Marinate the wings overnight to deepen the flavors even more; this step will elevate your dish to a whole new level of tastiness.
How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings
Fridge: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This way, they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Reheating: For optimal crispiness, reheat wings in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve that perfect crunch.
Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen wings in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings at your leisure!
Make Ahead Options
These Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken wings up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully. To do this, simply combine the garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, and chicken bouillon powder, then coat the wings and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the glaze (fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice) ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for 3 days. Just warm it up briefly right before tossing it with the fried wings. By prepping these components in advance, you’ll save precious time during the busy week while still serving up delicious, homemade wings that are just as incredible as if made fresh!
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken wings?
Absolutely! Look for fresh chicken wings that are plump and have a pinkish hue. Avoid wings with any discoloration or dark spots, as they can indicate poor quality or spoilage. If buying frozen, ensure they’re well-packaged without ice crystals, which can indicate thawing and refreezing.
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken wings?
Very! Store your leftover Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To revive their crispiness, place them on a wire rack to cool before sealing them. This helps maintain their texture.
Can I freeze the chicken wings?
Of course! To freeze the wings, first lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This method helps prevent them from sticking together, making it easier to reheat just what you need.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen wings?
To reheat frozen Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings, first thaw them in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 375°F and then place the wings on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method ensures you retain that crunchy texture!
Can my pets eat fish sauce?
Not really! Fish sauce contains high sodium levels and should be avoided for pets. Always keep seasoned foods away from your furry friends, as garlic and other ingredients may not be safe for them. Stick to their diet for a happy and healthy pet!
What if my wings don’t turn out crispy?
Don’t worry! If your wings aren’t crispy, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure the oil is hot enough at 350°F before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Also, the cornstarch coating should be generous but not clumpy. Try frying in smaller batches for the best results!
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings: Flavor Explosion!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Clean the Chicken: Rub the chicken wings with coarse salt, rinse well, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Marinate the Wings: Combine garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chicken bouillon powder, coat the wings, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare for Frying: Dust marinated wings with corn starch, shaking off excess.
- Heat the Oil: Warm vegetable oil to 350°F and fry wings in small batches for about 8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Mix fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice in a saucepan, heating gently until sugar dissolves.
- Coat and Serve: Toss fried wings in the glaze, transfer to a platter, sprinkle with fried garlic, and serve hot.