Khmer Spiced Baked Chicken Wings
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cambodia with these Khmer Spiced Baked Chicken Wings. Tender chicken wings are marinated in a harmonious blend of sweet and savory ingredients, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for sharing. Inspired by authentic recipes passed down through generations, this dish features a tantalizing combination of honey, oyster sauce, and a kick from hot chili-garlic sauce, making it the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at a bustling gathering or a cozy lunch at home, these wings promise to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Khmer cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (Packed)
Honey
1 tablespoon (Liquid)
Oyster Sauce
5 teaspoons (Sauce)
Hot Chili-Garlic Sauce
1 teaspoon (Sauce)
Chicken Wings
1.5 lbs (Approx 10 wings, cut at joints)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (Liquid)
Fish Sauce
1 tablespoon (Liquid)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Fine)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Grated Fresh Gingerroot
1 teaspoon (Grated)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Green Onion
1 stalk (Finely minced)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, honey, oyster sauce, and hot chili-garlic sauce, whisking until smooth. Set this tasty glaze aside.
2
Prepare the chicken wings by cutting them at the joints. Discard the tips and place the wings in a large baking dish.
3
In another bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely minced green onion, and black pepper together to create a flavorful marinade.
4
Pour this marinade over the chicken wings, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
5
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Remove the wings from the marinade and arrange them on a baking sheet, spreading them out to cook evenly. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color.
7
After removing the wings, brush them generously with the prepared honey sauce to add a sweet and sticky finish.
8
Return the glazed wings to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
9
Serve the wings hot or warm, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Khmer Spiced Baked Chicken Wings?
They are a Cambodian-inspired dish where chicken wings are marinated in a blend of savory and aromatic ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then baked and finished with a sweet and sticky honey-oyster glaze.
How long should I marinate the chicken wings?
For the best flavor, marinate the wings for at least 4 hours, though refrigerating them overnight is recommended for a deeper infusion of spices.
What temperature should the oven be set at?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the wings.
What ingredients are in the sweet glaze?
The glaze consists of light brown sugar, liquid honey, oyster sauce, and hot chili-garlic sauce.
What is the total baking time for the wings?
The wings bake for a total of 35 minutes: 30 minutes initially, then 5 additional minutes after applying the honey glaze.
How do I prepare the wings before cooking?
Cut the chicken wings at the joints and discard the tips before placing them in the marinade.
What type of ginger is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of grated fresh gingerroot.
What gives these wings their spicy kick?
The heat comes from one teaspoon of hot chili-garlic sauce included in the glaze.
Should the wings be covered while baking?
No, the wings should be baked uncovered on a baking sheet to allow them to turn golden brown.
What are the main savory components of the marinade?
The savory base is created using soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and salt.
How many wings does this recipe typically cover?
The recipe is designed for 1.5 lbs of chicken wings, which is approximately 10 wings when cut at the joints.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe specifies lemon juice, lime juice is a common substitute in Khmer cooking and will provide a similar citrus acidity.
What is the purpose of the oyster sauce in the glaze?
Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory umami depth that balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
How do I serve Khmer Spiced Chicken Wings?
Serve them hot or warm, ideally garnished with extra finely minced green onions or sesame seeds.
What type of sugar is best for the glaze?
The recipe recommends using packed light brown sugar for a rich caramel flavor.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Yes, fish sauce is a staple of Khmer cuisine and provides the essential salty, fermented flavor profile unique to the region.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the hot chili-garlic sauce if you prefer a milder wing.
Do I use the marinade as the final sauce?
No, the marinade is used for soaking the wings. A separate glaze made of honey, sugar, and oyster sauce is applied at the end.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The two garlic cloves should be finely minced before being added to the marinade.
What type of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What kind of honey should I use?
Liquid honey is best as it whisks easily into the other glaze ingredients.
How do I ensure the wings cook evenly?
Arrange them on the baking sheet in a single layer, spreading them out so they are not touching.
Can I use this recipe for chicken drumsticks?
Yes, but you will likely need to increase the baking time as drumsticks are thicker than wing joints.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt is added to the marinade to enhance the flavors.
What is the consistency of the glaze?
The glaze should be whisked until smooth, resulting in a thick, sticky coating once baked.
Are these wings suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are described as a perfect appetizer or snack for bustling gatherings.
How much green onion is needed?
One stalk of green onion, finely minced, is used in the marinade, with more available for garnish.
What flavor profile characterizes Khmer cuisine?
It is known for a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and vibrant aromatic flavors.
Can I bake these on a wire rack?
Yes, baking them on a rack over the baking sheet can help the air circulate for more even browning.
Does the recipe require oil?
No additional oil is required as the chicken skin provides enough fat for baking.