Smoked Korean-Style Hot Wings
Smoked Korean-Style Hot Wings – are spicy, sweet, and savory! The concentrated flavor comes from a sticky Korean-inspired sauce made with bold ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and more. Spice up game day with these smoked hot wings!
Chicken wings are a game day favorite in our household.
I’ve made a handful of chicken wings over the years like these Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings, Pickleback Baked Chicken Wings, Slow Cooker Chipotle Bourbon Chicken Wings, and now these easy Smoked Korean-Style Hot Wings.
Not only do these chicken wings feature complex flavors, they’re smoked to crispy, juicy perfection and will make your taste buds sing. If you’re looking for an easy dinner or game day appetizer recipe that’s bound to impress your friends and family, try these Smoked Korean-Style Hot Wings.
What is Gochujang?
Korean red chili paste that is savory, sweet, and spicy fermented. It’s used in marinades, in meat dishes or used to punch up soups and stews. I love the kick and depth of flavor that it adds to dishes with only a few tablespoons.
Pro tip: Heat levels can vary between brands, so check the packaging to see if it’s labeled with any kind of spice-level indicator.
Ingredients Needed
One of the many reasons I enjoy making these smoked chicken wings is because it only requires a couple of ingredients. For this recipe you will need:
- Chicken wings – I used chicken wings that have been split. You can certainly use the whole wing, but the cooking time will increase.
- Ketchup – base of this hot sauce
- Rice wine vinegar – kicks the sweet and acidity notes up a notch
- Soy sauce – balance of flavor
- Honey – adds a touch of natural sweetness
- Gochujang – I only used 2 tbsp of this Korean red chili pepper paste. However, if you want more of a spicy flavor you can certainly add in another dollop!
- Vegetable oil – used to coat the wings prior to the sauce
- Thinly sliced scallions – added garnish
- Lime wedges – a simple burst of citrus is a great way to tame some of the heat
- Sesame seeds – a sprinkle of crunch as a garnish
How to Make Smoked Korean-Style Hot Wings
- Preheat your smoker to 360 degrees. If you are using a regular grill simply preheat to medium-high heat.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and Gochujang. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until reduced to about 1 cup.
- Place wings on a large baking sheet and toss with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Place the wings on the smoker and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the wings from the smoker and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss with the hot sauce. Place the wings back on the smoker and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and adding more glaze if necessary. You’ll know the chicken wings are done when an instant-read thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
- Remove the crispy wings from the smoker and place on a platter. Garnish with green onions, lime juice, and sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wings are best for this recipe?
I definitely recommend a combination of both drumettes and wingettes.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes. If using frozen chicken wings, let them thaw in the refrigerator first.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just note the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I know the wings are cooked through?
This foolproof recipe always yields perfectly cooked wings! Chicken wings are cooked through when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a wing reads at least 165°F.
Can I make these chicken wings in the oven?
Absolutely! You’ll want to place the wings on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Cook the wings at 325 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove the wings from the oven and increase the temperature to 425 degrees. Toss the wings with the sauce and then place them back into the oven for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the wing reaches 165 degrees.
Can I make these chicken wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Follow the instructions via your air fryer on exact temperature settings for poultry.
Where can I purchase gochujang?
Typically, gochujang is in the Asian section of the grocery store. You can also order it online or find it at your local Asian market.
More Chicken Wing Recipes to Enjoy:
- Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings
- Pickleback Baked Chicken Wings
- Slow Cooker Chipotle Bourbon Chicken Wings
Smoked Korean-Style Hot Wings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 cup Unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 3 lbs Chicken wings, split
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, thinly sliced, garnish
- Lime wedge, for garnish
- Toasted seasme seeds, garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 360 degrees. If you are using a regular grill simply preheat to medium-high heat.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and Gochujang. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until reduced to about 1 cup.
- Place wings on a large baking sheet and toss with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Place the wings on the smoker and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the wings from the smoker and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss with the hot sauce. Place the wings back on the smoker and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and adding more glaze if necessary. You’ll know the chicken wings are done when an instant-read thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
- Remove the crispy wings from the smoker and place on a platter. Garnish with green onions, lime juice, and sesame seeds.
