Name: Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sautéing); 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (fresh); 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 3/4 cup sugar (for sweetness); 3/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred); 3/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (for tanginess); 1/4 cup chili garlic sauce (adjust to preference); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening); 3 tablespoons water (for mixing with cornstarch); 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (fresh); 2 pounds chicken wings (cut into drumettes and wingettes); as needed vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)

If you’ve ever visited Buffalo Wild Wings, you know that their Asian Zing Wings are a fan favorite. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these wings are irresistible, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Today, I’m excited to share my version of this beloved dish with a homemade Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe that you can whip up in your own kitchen. Trust me, these wings will be the star of your next gathering, game day, or even a cozy night in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe. First and foremost, the flavor! The combination of garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings perfectly to crispy chicken wings. Not only are these wings incredibly flavorful, but they’re also easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, you can tweak the recipe to suit your spice tolerance!

Ingredient Notes

To create the ultimate Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing the garlic and ginger.
1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger: Bright and zesty, ginger complements the garlic beautifully.
3/4 cup sugar: This will give your sauce its signature sweetness.
3/4 cup soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami. Opt for a low-sodium version if you prefer.
3/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar: For a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup chili garlic sauce: This ingredient brings the heat! Adjust to your preference.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect cling.
3 tablespoons water: To mix with cornstarch for a smooth sauce.
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
2 pounds chicken wings: Cut into drumettes and wingettes, with wing tips removed.
Vegetable or canola oil: For deep frying the wings.

Before You Start: Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following equipment to make your life easier:

Large mixing bowl: For tossing the wings.
Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Frying pan or deep fryer: For cooking the wings to crispy perfection.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to the best flavor.
Slotted spoon: For removing the wings from hot oil.
Paper towels: To drain excess oil from the cooked wings.

From Start to Finish: Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe

Now, let’s get into the delicious process of making these wings!

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the 1 tablespoon chopped garlic and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup soy sauce, 3/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup chili garlic sauce into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. This will help thicken your sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Pat the 2 pounds chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help achieve that crispy texture when fried. Season the wings lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable or canola oil for deep frying (about 2-3 inches deep) to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and turn golden brown.

Step 6: Fry the Wings

Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wings and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Toss with Sauce

Once all wings are fried and drained, place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the hot wings and toss until they are evenly coated.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair them with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate experience.

Substitutions by Category

If you find yourself missing an ingredient or two, here are some substitutions that will work:

Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or peanut oil works well for frying.
Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is recommended for the best flavor.
Ginger: Ground ginger can substitute fresh ginger, but use less (1/4 teaspoon).
Sugar: You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Sriracha can be a good alternative for heat.

What Could Go Wrong

Making your own wings can be a breeze, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Wings not crispy: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding wings, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Sauce too thick: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Burnt garlic or ginger: Saute at medium heat and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Wings undercooked: Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Save It for Later

If you find yourself with leftover wings, you’re in luck! These wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also toss them in a hot skillet to crisp them up again.

Quick Questions

Can I bake these wings instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the wings at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve that crispy texture.

How spicy are these wings?

The spice level can be adjusted based on the amount of chili garlic sauce you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!

What should I serve with these wings?

These wings pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Final Bite

Creating your own version of Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings at home is not only satisfying but also a fun way to impress your friends and family. The sweet and spicy sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). With this Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Wings Copycat Recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality wings right in your living room, making any occasion a special one.

Don’t hesitate; gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into a plate of these irresistible wings. Your taste buds will thank you!