Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Cuisine: Chinese Type: Small Plates/Snack AKA: Yán Suān Jīchì Yǒu Yìyè Jiǎngyán

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chicken Wings
2 pounds (907)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (16)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (32)
Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon (15)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (12)
Garlic
3 cloves (9)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (5)
Green Onions
2 stalks (60)
Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Totals
39 oz
(1,094 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chicken Wings
300 calories
Salt
0 calories
Pepper
0 calories
Totals
300 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine salt, white pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder. Mix well.
Step 3: Sprinkle the salt and pepper mixture evenly over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Carefully place the seasoned chicken wings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Step 6: Fry the chicken wings for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the wings.
Step 7: Once cooked, remove the chicken wings from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 8: In a separate wok or skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
Step 9: Add minced garlic and sliced green onions to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Step 10: Return the fried chicken wings to the wok or skillet and toss them with the garlic and green onion mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 11: Continue stir-frying the chicken wings for another minute to infuse the flavors.
Step 12: Remove the chicken wings from the heat and transfer them to a serving plate.
Step 13: Garnish with additional sliced green onions and serve hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Note: You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Additionally, feel free to add other seasonings or spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alternatives for Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings (Yán Suān Jīchì Yǒu Yìyè Jiǎngyán):
1. Salt:
- Substitute: Soy sauce
- Quantity: Use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce per 1 teaspoon of salt
- Adjustments: Reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe as soy sauce is already salty.
2. Pepper:
- Substitute: Red pepper flakes or paprika
- Quantity: Use 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or paprika per 1 teaspoon of pepper
- Adjustments: Red pepper flakes will add heat, so adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. Paprika will provide a milder flavor.
3. Chicken Wings:
- Substitute: Chicken drumsticks or chicken thighs
- Quantity: Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe
- Adjustments: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
4. Garlic:
- Substitute: Garlic powder
- Quantity: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per 1 clove of garlic
- Adjustments: Garlic powder is more concentrated, so adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
5. Green onions:
- Substitute: Chives or leeks
- Quantity: Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe
- Adjustments: Chives or leeks have a milder flavor compared to green onions, so adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
6. Cornstarch:
- Substitute: All-purpose flour or potato starch
- Quantity: Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe
- Adjustments: All-purpose flour or potato starch can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch in most recipes.
Note: It is always recommended to use the original ingredients for the most authentic flavor and texture. Substitutes may alter the taste and texture of the dish to some extent.
Pairings
- Fried rice
- Steamed white rice
- Egg drop soup
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Chinese-style noodles
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Szechuan sauce
- Chili garlic sauce
- Chinese hot mustard
- Chinese black bean sauce
- Scallion pancakes
- Spring rolls
- Dumplings (potstickers, steamed, or fried)
- Sesame noodles
- Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce
- General Tso's chicken
- Kung Pao chicken
- Mongolian beef
- Sweet and sour pork
- Mapo tofu
- Peking duck
- Moo shu pork
- Orange chicken
- Lemon chicken
- Cashew chicken
- Gong Bao Ji Ding (Kung Pao chicken)
- Ma Po Tofu
- Tsingtao beer
- Jasmine tea
- Lychee martini
- Plum wine
- Chinese green tea
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.
- Serve the chicken wings on a bed of crispy lettuce leaves to add freshness and visual appeal.
- Arrange the wings in a circular pattern on a large serving platter to create an eye-catching presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a touch of five-spice powder to the marinade for a subtle, complex flavor.
- After frying, toss the wings in a sticky honey glaze to add a sweet and savory element.
- Incorporate a hint of grated ginger and minced garlic into the marinade for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use free-range or organic chicken wings for a more premium taste and texture.
- Replace regular salt with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch.
- Drizzle the wings with truffle oil or sprinkle with truffle salt to add a luxurious and aromatic twist.
Remember to adjust the quantities of ingredients to your taste preferences and enjoy your next-level Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings!
Diet Restrictions
1. Reduce sodium intake: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to lower the overall sodium content in the dish.
2. Limit added fats: Bake or grill the chicken wings instead of deep-frying them to reduce the amount of added fats and calories.
3. Opt for leaner cuts: Choose skinless chicken wings or remove the skin before cooking to reduce the fat content.
4. Increase vegetable content: Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the dish to boost the nutritional value and fiber content.
5. Customize spice levels: Adjust the amount of pepper used according to personal preference, reducing or increasing it to suit individual taste.
6. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
7. Allergen-free alternative: Substitute chicken wings with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version, catering to those with poultry allergies or dietary preferences.
8. Serve with a side of whole grains: Accompany the chicken wings with brown rice or quinoa to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
9. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of the number of chicken wings consumed to manage calorie intake, particularly for those watching their weight or on a restricted diet.
10. Include fresh herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor profile of the dish by adding herbs like cilantro or spices like ginger or garlic, reducing the need for excessive salt or pepper.
Healthy Choices
1. Use skinless chicken wings to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
2. Bake or grill the chicken wings instead of deep-frying to minimize added oil.
3. Limit the amount of salt used in the marinade or seasoning. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce or alternative seasonings like garlic, ginger, and herbs for flavor.
4. Opt for whole wheat flour or a mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for coating instead of refined white flour.
5. Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, to boost nutritional content.
6. Serve the chicken wings with a side of steamed brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
7. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the marinade or glaze.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor and antioxidants.
9. Experiment with different cooking techniques like air frying or grilling to reduce the overall fat content.
10. Serve with a light dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream mixed with herbs and spices instead of heavy sauces.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut chicken wings or drumettes to save time on preparation.
2. Skip marinating the chicken wings and instead season them directly with salt and pepper for a quicker cooking process.
3. Substitute regular salt with seasoned salt or garlic salt to add extra flavor without additional steps.
4. Coat the chicken wings with cornstarch before frying to achieve a crispy texture without the need for a double-frying method.
5. Opt for a deep fryer or air fryer instead of pan-frying to save time and oil.
6. Use a blend of ground black pepper and white pepper for a more economical alternative to whole peppercorns.
7. Consider using chicken wingettes (the middle part of the wing) instead of whole wings to reduce costs without compromising taste.
8. Serve the chicken wings with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors without requiring complex ingredients.
9. Utilize a high heat cooking method, such as broiling or grilling, to reduce cooking time while still achieving a flavorful result.
10. Garnish the finished dish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal without additional cost.