Singapore BBQ Wings, hawker-style, are tender, smoky, slightly sweet, and packed with savory goodness. These wings are marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and honey, then roasted to perfection and served with a tangy, spicy chilli dip. Whether you’re having a BBQ with friends or craving something exotic, these wings are a must-try!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Wings:

• 10 chicken wings

• 2 tablespoons ginger, about 1 inch

• 2 tablespoons garlic, about 2-3 cloves

• 2 tablespoons shallots, about 2-3 bulbs

• 2 tablespoons dark sweet soy sauce (Kicap Manis)

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Bamboo skewers (optional, soaked in water)

For the Chilli Dip:

• 5 red chillies

• 5 Thai bird’s eye chillies

• 2 tablespoons ginger

• 2 tablespoons garlic

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice or juice from 5 calamansi limes

• 1/2 rind of 1 lime (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted chicken stock

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: Blend the ginger, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Set aside 2-3 tablespoons of the marinade to baste the wings later. Pour the remaining marinade over the wings and massage it in. Marinate the wings for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.

2. Skewer the wings (optional): Find the joint between the wing and drummette and loosen it. Insert bamboo skewers to straighten the wings, which helps with even cooking.

3. Roast the wings: Preheat your oven to 175°C (345°F). Arrange the wings on a baking tray, brush with some of the reserved marinade, and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) and set it to grill or broiler mode. Grill the wings for another 5 minutes or until they are charred and golden. Flip the wings halfway for even coloring.

4. Make the chilli dip: Blitz the red and Thai bird’s eye chillies, ginger, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, lime rind, sugar, salt, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.

5. Serve: Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving with the tangy chilli dip on the side.

Nutrients (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 250

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 25g

A Flavorful Marinade: The Key to Tender, Tasty Wings

The foundation of Singapore BBQ Wings lies in the marinade. The blend of dark sweet soy sauce (Kicap Manis), light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, garlic, shallots, and honey creates a savory-sweet combination that perfectly complements the natural flavor of the chicken. The addition of ground white pepper and cayenne pepper (optional) brings a subtle kick, while the honey adds a layer of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy and fish sauces.

Marinating the chicken wings for at least 3 hours (or overnight for the best results) allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, ensuring each wing is packed with flavor. The marinade not only enhances the taste but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and succulent once cooked.

Skewering for Even Cooking (Optional)

While not essential, skewering the wings can make a noticeable difference in the cooking process. By inserting bamboo skewers into the wings, you straighten them out, which helps them cook more evenly. This step ensures that every part of the wing is exposed to the heat in the oven, allowing for more uniform cooking. The skewers also make it easier to handle the wings when turning them for even grilling.

If you prefer a more rustic look, feel free to skip this step and arrange the wings directly on the baking tray. However, the skewers are a useful trick for those looking to achieve a perfectly cooked wing with even color and crispiness.

Roasting the Wings to Perfection

After marinating the wings, it’s time to roast them to perfection. Preheat your oven to 175°C (345°F) and place the wings on a baking tray, brushing them with some of the reserved marinade. The slow roasting process ensures that the wings cook through and absorb the flavors of the marinade. After 20 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) and switch to grill or broiler mode for the final step. This higher heat creates a beautiful golden brown color and adds a crispy texture to the skin, mimicking the smoky, charred flavors typical of hawker-style BBQ.

Grilling the wings for the last 5 minutes allows the sugars in the honey to caramelize, creating a deliciously crispy and slightly sticky coating. Don’t forget to flip the wings halfway through to ensure they are evenly charred and crispy on both sides.

The Tangy Chilli Dip: A Flavorful Kick

What sets Singapore BBQ Wings apart is the accompanying tangy, spicy chilli dip. The dip is made from a combination of red and Thai bird’s eye chillies, ginger, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and chicken stock, all blitzed together in a blender. The result is a smooth, vibrant dip with a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness. The bird’s eye chillies give the dip a fiery kick, while the lime juice and vinegar provide a tangy edge that complements the richness of the wings. The sweetness from the sugar balances the heat, ensuring the dip isn’t overwhelmingly spicy but has just the right amount of zing.

This chilli dip is an essential accompaniment to the wings, enhancing the overall flavor experience and adding a refreshing contrast to the savory, slightly sweet wings. The dip also doubles as a great sauce for dipping, making every bite more exciting.

Serving the Wings: A Delicious Feast

Once the wings are roasted to perfection, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender. When serving, arrange the wings on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or additional lime wedges for a touch of color and freshness. The chilli dip can be served on the side or in small dipping bowls for easy access.

These wings are perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying them as an appetizer with family and friends. The combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser, and the tangy dip adds an extra layer of excitement to every bite.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

Singapore BBQ Wings are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. They are ideal for casual gatherings, BBQs, or as an appetizer for a more formal meal. The smoky and spicy flavors make them a great addition to any Asian-themed dinner or a perfect snack for watching the game. If you’re looking for a main dish, serve them with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables to create a complete meal.

These wings also work well as part of a larger spread, whether you’re making a buffet for a party or preparing a few different appetizers for guests to choose from. The versatility of this dish makes it a must-try for any occasion, whether it’s a summer cookout, a dinner party, or a fun family meal.

Nutritional Information: A Flavorful yet Balanced Meal

Each serving of Singapore BBQ Wings is relatively balanced, offering 250 calories per serving. With 25g of protein, these wings are a great source of lean protein, perfect for anyone looking for a filling and satisfying dish. The 14g of fat includes 2g of saturated fat, which is moderate for a grilled dish. At 8g of carbohydrates, including 6g of sugar from the honey and other ingredients, the wings are not overly heavy on carbs, making them a suitable choice for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

The addition of chili dip also brings a burst of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly from the chillies, which are known for their high vitamin C content. This dip adds not only flavor but also nutritional benefits, giving the meal an extra boost of freshness.

Conclusion

Singapore BBQ Wings are a flavorful and exciting dish that brings the bold tastes of Singapore’s hawker stalls right into your kitchen. The tender, smoky wings with their sweet and savory glaze, combined with the spicy and tangy chilli dip, create a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, preparing an appetizer, or just craving something flavorful and exotic, these wings are sure to impress. With their perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, they are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their wing game. Serve them at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time!