These Salt and Pepper Wings are a Chinese-style appetizer that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. The combination of salt, pepper, and other aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering snack that is simply irresistible.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 10-12 chicken wings

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp white pepper

• 1/2 tsp five-spice powder

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2-3 fresh chilies (sliced)

• 2-3 sprigs fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish.

2. Coat the Wings: Toss the wings in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Heat the Oil: In a wok or large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

4. Fry the Wings: Fry the chicken wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

5. Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix salt, white pepper, and five-spice powder.

6. Season the Wings: Once all the wings are fried, toss them with the seasoning mixture.

7. Stir-fry the Chilies: In the same pan, heat a little more oil. Add the sliced chilies and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

8. Serve: Return the wings to the pan with the chilies, tossing to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 280

• Protein: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 500mg

Why Salt and Pepper Wings Are So Popular

Salt and pepper wings are a staple in many Chinese restaurants and are loved for their simplicity and bold flavor profile. The dish is known for its crispy texture and the way it perfectly balances the heat of the white pepper with the rich, savory saltiness. In many Chinese-style recipes, the addition of five-spice powder adds an aromatic depth, bringing in sweet, licorice-like flavors that elevate the wings even further.

The best part about salt and pepper wings is their versatility. The seasoning can be adjusted to fit your preference for spice, making these wings as mild or as fiery as you like. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a special occasion, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack that never fails to deliver on flavor and crunch.

The Perfect Crispy Coating

Achieving a crispy finish on your wings is essential to this recipe, and it all starts with the cornstarch coating. Cornstarch helps the wings crisp up perfectly when fried, creating a light, golden crust that locks in the juiciness of the meat. Before frying, it’s important to make sure the chicken wings are dry. Patting them down with paper towels removes excess moisture, ensuring that the coating can adhere properly and fry up crisp.

The cornstarch coating also helps the seasoning stick to the wings once they are fried, allowing the salt, white pepper, and five-spice powder to fully infuse each bite. The result is a crispy, flavorful exterior and a tender, juicy interior that makes these wings absolutely irresistible.

Frying: The Key to Perfection

Frying the wings to perfection is a crucial step in making salt and pepper wings. The key is to fry the wings in batches, ensuring they cook evenly and become golden brown without overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, which can result in greasy, soggy wings rather than crispy, crunchy ones.

Frying the wings in medium-high heat oil ensures they cook through while developing that signature golden, crispy exterior. Typically, wings should be fried for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach the perfect level of crispiness. Once they are done, it’s important to remove the wings from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will prevent them from becoming too greasy and will help retain their crispiness.

Seasoning: The Magic of Salt, Pepper, and Five-Spice Powder

The seasoning is what truly brings these wings to life. The combination of salt and white pepper offers a simple yet flavorful base. White pepper is particularly favored in Chinese cuisine for its subtle heat and its ability to enhance the savory flavors of a dish without overwhelming it. Salt, of course, is essential for seasoning the wings and bringing out all the flavors of the chicken and the spices.

Five-spice powder, a staple in Chinese cooking, is what sets these wings apart. It’s a fragrant blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. The powder adds a sweet, aromatic warmth that complements the heat of the white pepper and balances the saltiness of the wings. This seasoning mix brings an exotic, complex flavor to the dish that makes every bite exciting.

Once the wings are fried, they are tossed in the seasoning mixture while still hot, allowing the flavors to stick and coat every crispy wing. The seasoning is simple, but it makes all the difference in creating that irresistible flavor that makes these wings so special.

The Final Touch: Stir-Fried Chilies and Cilantro

While the wings are already delicious on their own, adding a stir-fry of fresh chilies and cilantro takes the dish to the next level. The chilies add a pop of heat that enhances the flavors of the wings, and the cilantro provides a fresh, fragrant finish that balances the richness of the fried chicken. Stir-frying the chilies for just 1-2 minutes in the same pan as the wings helps infuse the oil with their spicy aroma, giving the wings a delightful kick.

The fresh cilantro garnish not only adds color and freshness to the dish but also adds a cool, herbaceous note that contrasts the heat from the chilies and the savory, crispy wings. These final touches give the dish an extra burst of flavor and texture, making it even more irresistible.

Serving Suggestions for Salt and Pepper Wings

Salt and pepper wings are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. These wings are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a more substantial meal, serve the wings alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. The heat from the wings complements the mildness of the rice, while the freshness of the vegetables balances the richness of the fried chicken.

For a casual party or gathering, salt and pepper wings can be served as part of a larger spread of appetizers, alongside other Chinese-style dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, or fried rice. The crispy, flavorful nature of these wings makes them a great addition to any party platter.

Pairing Drinks with Salt and Pepper Wings

When it comes to drinks, salt and pepper wings pair well with a variety of beverages. For a classic pairing, try a light lager or pale ale. The crispness and subtle maltiness of the beer complement the savory and spicy wings, creating a harmonious contrast. If you prefer wine, a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc works well, as their acidity helps cut through the richness of the wings and refreshes your palate between bites.

For non-alcoholic options, consider serving iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a slice of lime. These drinks provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the wings, while their acidity helps balance the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Salt and Pepper Wings

Salt and pepper wings are a tasty yet relatively balanced dish, offering a good source of protein from the chicken. Each serving provides about 280 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 18 grams of fat. While they are higher in fat due to the frying process, the protein content makes them a satisfying snack or appetizer that will keep you full. The addition of fresh cilantro and chilies adds a small amount of fiber and vitamins, making this dish a flavorful yet nutritious option when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion: Irresistible Chinese-Style Wings

Salt and pepper wings are a flavorful, crispy, and aromatic dish that brings the best of Chinese cuisine right to your table. With their golden, crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, these wings are a perfect balance of textures. The combination of salt, white pepper, and five-spice powder creates a unique and bold seasoning, while the addition of chilies and cilantro elevates the flavor to new heights.

Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack to enjoy during a movie, these wings are sure to satisfy your cravings. Their simplicity and depth of flavor make them a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour. Salt and pepper wings are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, crispy, and flavorful snacks.