Name: Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 3 pounds Split chicken wings, patted dry; 2 Garlic cloves, minced; 1 piece Fresh ginger, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons Salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; ¼ cup All-purpose flour; ¾ cup Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 2 tablespoons Soy sauce; 3 tablespoons Gochujang; 2 teaspoons Sesame oil; 3 Garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons Honey; 1 tablespoon Brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds; 2 Green onions, sliced thin; Sesame seeds; Green onion, chopped; Cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 55 reviews

If you have a craving that only bold, fiery flavors and crispy, juicy textures can satisfy, then this Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These wings strike the perfect balance between crunchy and tender, with a sauce that delivers a vibrant punch of heat, sweetness, and a deep umami character thanks to the iconic Korean chili paste, gochujang. The magic happens when the wings are double-coated and fried to golden perfection, then lovingly tossed in a luscious, sticky sauce that clings to every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A baking tray covered with foil holds a metal wire rack filled with 28 golden brown fried chicken wings arranged close together, showing a crispy and crunchy texture with some darker spots. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and a dark purple cloth is partially visible on the left side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things simple yet incredibly impactful—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that crave-worthy combo of crispy skin, juicy meat, and a beautifully balanced spicy sauce.

Split chicken wings: The star of the show, wings provide a wonderful mix of crispy skin and succulent meat that’s perfect for frying and saucing.
Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatics infuse the wings with a fragrant depth that cuts through the heat and sweetness.
Salt and black pepper: Basic but essential seasoning to sharpen the flavors and enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
All-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder: This trio creates an ultra-crispy, light coating that fries up golden and crunchy.
Soy sauce and gochujang: The soy adds savory umami, while gochujang brings that signature Korean spicy kick.
Sesame oil, seeds, and green onions: Nutty, aromatic touches that give the sauce and final dish extra character and texture.
Honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy to round out the heat and create that irresistible glaze.
Optional garnish (cilantro): Adds a fresh, bright pop of herbal aroma to finish things beautifully.

How to Make Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Wings

Start by patting your chicken wings dry, which is crucial for that crisp fry. Then massage the minced garlic, fresh ginger, salt, and black pepper directly into the wings. This not only seasons the skin thoroughly but also helps build layers of flavor that complement the spice of the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Coat Wings for Crispy Perfection

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, then toss the seasoned wings in this mixture until they’re evenly coated in a thin, crispy shell. This triple dry mix is the secret weapon for wings that stay crunchy even after they’re sauced.

Step 3: Fry the Wings to Golden Crunch

Heat your oil to a steady 370℉ and fry the wings in batches, taking about 8 to 9 minutes each so that they become golden brown and perfectly crisp. Using a thermometer here is key to maintaining consistent temperature and ensuring even cooking, which will give you wings that are—and stay—crispy and juicy on the inside.

Step 4: Keep Wings Warm While You Finish Cooking

Once fried, transfer the wings to a cooling rack set over a sheet pan inside a warm 170℉ oven. This keeps them hot and crispy while you prepare the sauce without overcooking or sogginess.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Gochujang Sauce

In a deep sauté pan, combine all your sauce ingredients including soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring this to a boil and let it simmer until thickened and glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce develops rich layers of flavor, a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that will irresistibly coat every wing.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Finally, toss the hot wings with sliced green onions and sesame seeds in the sauce until every wing is beautifully glazed. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro if you like, and get ready to dig into a dish that bursts with authentic Korean flavor.

How to Serve Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe

A close-up view of several crispy fried chicken wings coated in a shiny, sticky orange glaze, topped with white sesame seeds and scattered green herbs like sliced scallions and cilantro leaves. The wings are arranged on a wrinkled piece of white parchment paper, set on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, a woven basket holds fresh sliced scallions in bright green colors. The texture on the wings shows crunchy edges with glossy sauce pooling slightly beneath some wings. The lighting highlights the rich amber tones of the wings and the vibrant green garnish, creating an appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions add a lovely crunch and fresh, vegetal notes that contrast the spicy-sweet sauce nicely. Cilantro offers a fresh herbal brightness which can really elevate the wings to new flavor heights.

Side Dishes

These wings pair wonderfully with cool, crisp sides like a crunchy cucumber salad or a simple green leaf salad with a light vinaigrette to help balance the spice. Steamed rice or sticky rice cakes also soak up the sauce beautifully and help round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe on a trendy platter lined with banana leaves for a festive look, or use mini bamboo skewers to create fun party bites. For an upscale touch, sprinkle microgreens over the top or place the wings atop a bed of pickled vegetables for added tang and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating will soften a bit from the sauce, but reheating properly can bring back much of the original crispness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked wings, but it’s best to freeze them without the sauce to preserve texture. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container, then store up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing fresh.

Reheating

Reheat the wings in a hot oven (around 400℉) on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes to revive the crisp exterior. Once warmed through, toss the wings in freshly made or leftover sauce before serving for that irresistible Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe flavor punch.

FAQs

Can I use whole chicken wings instead of split wings?

Absolutely! Whole wings work fine, though split wings tend to cook more evenly and crisp up better due to greater surface area exposure.

Is gochujang very spicy?

Gochujang has a mild to medium spice level with a deep sweetness and umami richness. You can adjust the amount in the sauce depending on how spicy you like your wings.

Can I bake these wings instead of frying?

You can bake wings for a lighter version, but they won’t get quite as crispy as with frying. Try baking at a high temperature on a wire rack and consider finishing under the broiler for extra crispiness.

What can I substitute for corn starch?

Potato starch or tapioca starch can be good substitutes. They help achieve that same light, crispy coating as cornstarch.

How long does it take to make the Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe?

From start to finish, including frying in batches and sauce prep, expect about 45 minutes to 1 hour—definitely worth the wait for flavor this amazing!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to something spectacular, don’t hesitate to try this Korean Chicken Wings with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a flavor bomb, and an all-around delicious experience that’s perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you want a little spicy comfort food bliss. Once you get the sauce just right and enjoy that crispy-to-tender bite, this recipe will be one you come back to again and again.