Frequently Asked Questions
What are Garlicky Honey Soy Chicken Wings?
These are tender, juicy chicken wings baked in a marinade of honey, soy sauce, and fragrant five-spice powder, infused with garlic and ginger.
Are these chicken wings fried?
No, these wings are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings.
What is the total weight of chicken wings needed?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of chicken wings, trimmed and cleaned.
What are the key ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, garlic, and five-spice powder.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
Low sodium soy sauce is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish, but regular soy sauce can be used if adjusted.
What are the substitutes for Shaoxing wine?
You can use dry sherry or sake as a substitute for Shaoxing wine.
Is fresh ginger required?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger for the best flavor.
How much garlic does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 6 chopped garlic cloves to provide a bold, savory flavor.
What is five-spice powder used for?
Five-spice powder adds a fragrant, aromatic depth and warmth to the chicken wing marinade.
Is this a healthy chicken wing recipe?
Yes, baking the wings instead of frying them makes this recipe a healthier alternative to typical takeout wings.
How do the wings get their crispy texture?
The wings are baked until they reach a crispy texture with a mouthwatering caramelized glaze.
Can I prepare these wings for a large gathering?
Absolutely, these wings are ideal for gatherings, game nights, or as a party snack.
What type of honey is recommended?
Any standard liquid honey works well to provide the sweetness needed for the glaze.
How should I garnish the chicken wings?
Garnish the wings with 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
What are the aromatic ingredients in this dish?
The aromatics include fresh garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder.
Is the ginger grated or minced?
The recipe specifies using freshly grated ginger.
How much black pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Are these wings sweet or savory?
They offer a perfect balance of both, with sweetness from the honey and savory depth from the soy sauce and garlic.
Can I use sake in the marinade?
Yes, sake is an excellent alternative to Shaoxing wine or dry sherry.
What is the serving suggestion for these wings?
Serve them hot as a snack or appetizer, ideally garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
How many sesame seeds are used for garnish?
Use between 1 and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for the garnish.
Can I use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine?
Yes, dry sherry is a recommended substitute if Shaoxing wine is unavailable.
Is the honey added all at once?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of honey, which is noted as divided for the preparation.
How many garlic cloves should I chop?
You should chop 6 garlic cloves for this recipe.
What makes this recipe easy to prepare?
The simple preparation involves marinating and baking, making it a low-effort but high-flavor meal.
Are the green onions used for flavor or garnish?
The chopped green onion is primarily used as a fresh garnish to finish the dish.
How much five-spice powder is needed?
Only 1/2 teaspoon of five-spice powder is required to flavor 3 lbs of wings.
Should the chicken wings be trimmed?
Yes, the wings should be trimmed and cleaned before beginning the recipe.
Is this recipe better than takeout?
Many consider it a tastier and healthier alternative to favorite takeout options.
What is the texture of the glaze?
The honey and soy sauce reduce during baking to create a sticky and mouthwatering glaze.