Introduction
The holiday season is all about gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. If you’re looking for a dish that is both crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare, look no further than Spicy Asian Chicken Wings made in the Instant Pot. These wings are not only high in protein, making them a healthier option, but they also pack a flavorful punch that will leave your guests coming back for more.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make tender, juicy, and spicy chicken wings that are perfect for holiday parties, game days, or any occasion where finger foods steal the show. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and efficient, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispy finish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken wings. Pat them dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the marinade over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the marinated chicken wings (reserve the marinade) and sauté for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to brown.
- After browning the wings, pour the reserved marinade into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then switch to a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the wings from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Preheat your oven to broil while you prepare the wings for a crispy finish. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Brush the cornstarch slurry onto the wings to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Broil the wings in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the wings from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
- Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your high-protein holiday treat!
Tips for Perfect Spicy Asian Chicken Wings
To ensure your chicken wings come out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips. First, make sure to pat the wings dry before marinating; this helps achieve that sought-after crispiness. Secondly, don’t skip the broiling step; it really makes a difference in texture. If you like your wings extra spicy, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha or add some chili paste to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Asian Chicken Wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a refreshing cucumber salad, steamed rice, or crispy vegetable spring rolls. For a complete holiday spread, complement the wings with other Asian-inspired dishes such as dumplings or fried rice.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine with such a delicious dish), store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the air fryer for a quick crisp-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just increase the cooking time to about 15 minutes on high pressure.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.
Can I make these wings in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the wings a day before and store them in the refrigerator. Cook them in the Instant Pot just before serving.
Are these wings spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you use. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
With their irresistible flavors and high protein content, these Spicy Asian Chicken Wings made in the Instant Pot are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. They are easy to prepare and offer a delightful twist on traditional wings. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your holiday board, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that is as fun to eat as it is to make. Happy cooking!
