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.
We'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 simple 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 a simple 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. We 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wings are best for this recipe?
We definitely recommend a combination of both drumettes and wingettes.
Can we use frozen chicken wings?
Yes. If using frozen chicken wings, let them thaw in the refrigerator first.
What can we substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just note the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do we know the wings are cooked through?
This foolproof recipe always yields evenly 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 we 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 we make these chicken wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Follow the instructions via your air fryer on exact temperature settings for poultry.
Where can we 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.
Prep 15 minutesCook 35 minutesTotal 45 minutesMakes 6
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
Method
- 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.
