By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on May 25, 2023 | Last Updated on November 26, 2023
What about making some delicious San Tung chicken wings for dinner tonight? If you haven’t had the chance to experience this amazing dish, then you are definitely missing out! This finger-licking good Chinese-style American appetizer is packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice.
It is great for any type of gathering, be it a game night, weeknight dinner, or family get-together. So let’s not waste any more time and find out what makes this dish so special. Here I will discuss ingredients, Cooking tips, nutrition Information, and other FAQs.
What are San tung chicken wings?
San Tung Chicken Wings is a favorite Chinese-American dish made with marinated chicken wings that are deep fried to perfection and then tossed in a sweet & spicy sauce. This lip smacking appetizer has its roots in Chinese American culture and is a very popular dish at restaurants or take-out places. You can also make this delicious dish easily at home with simple ingredients and steps.
Where Did I First Try San Tung Chicken wings?
I tried it in San tung’s outlet in Irving St, San Francisco for the first time. As I entered the outlet, I was amazed to see that the place is really attractive with modern decor and vibrant colors. The staff welcomed me warmly and suggested that I try their famous dish San tung chicken wings.
I ordered it and soon after a few minutes, they served a plate full of delicious golden brown chicken wings with a side of fragrant sauce. I couldn’t resist myself from having it and just after a few bites, my taste buds were tingling. The crispy golden brown texture with the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors made it more delectable.
I was so happy as I had this dish for the first time. I absolutely loved their presentation and was impressed with the quality of the ingredients used. I was so happy that I decided to visit this place again the next day to have more San Tung chicken wings.
After a few visits, I got comfortable with the taste and started trying different variations in it like adding some sriracha sauce or crushed red peppers for extra spiciness. I used to visit this outlet with my friends very often and we just loved the San Tung chicken wings.
Apart from being tasty, I also found out that it is a healthy option as it contains a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, and essential minerals like calcium and iron. With each bite, you are not just getting the taste of a lip-smacking dish but also reaping its health benefits.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are the main ingredient of this dish and should be fresh for the best taste.
- Salt: For seasoning the chicken wings before deep frying.
- Cornstarch: For coating the chicken wings before deep frying.
- Vegetable oil: Oil is essential for deep frying chicken wings.
- Water: For coating the chicken wings before deep frying.
- Chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes: For making the sauce spicy.
- Honey: For sweetening the sauce.
- Onion finely chopped: For adding a tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: For adding a hint of sourness to the sauce.
- Green chopped coriander leaves: Some green chopped coriander leaves are required for garnishing.
- Minced garlic: A bit of garlic adds a nice flavor to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Some soy sauce is needed for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the chopped onions.
- Salt: Any type of salt is required for making the sauce.
- White pepper powder: For seasoning the sauce.
- Water for sauce: For thinning out the sauce as required.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Start by washing the chicken wings, pat them dry using a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Now add 2 cups of cornstarch to a bowl and mix it with 1/4 cup of water until the mixture is smooth. Add the chicken pieces inside and coat evenly with the batter.
Step 3
Heat 3 quarts of oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350-375F. Add the chicken wings into the hot oil and deep fry them for about 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 4
Once they’re done frying, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
Step 5
To make the sauce, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add in the garlic and onion and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Now add all of the remaining ingredients for the sauce (chili garlic sauce, brown sugar/honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Step 6
Cook the sauce for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened. Add in the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped green coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed white rice or noodles of your choice.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to use fresh chicken wings for the best taste.
- Marinate the chicken wings with salt, pepper and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before deep frying them.
- Get the oil hot enough before you start deep frying the chicken wings as it ensures that they are nicely cooked inside out without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while deep frying the chicken wings as it will lower the temperature of the oil and make them soggy.
- For a more flavorful sauce, you can add some garlic to it before serving.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- You can substitute the chicken wings with drumsticks or thighs for making this dish.
- For a healthier option, you can opt for baking or air-frying instead of deep frying.
- You can replace the chili garlic sauce with sriracha sauce to make it spicier.
- Honey can be replaced with brown sugar or maple syrup.
- The vinegar can be substituted with lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
- You can also add some sesame oil to the sauce for an umami flavor.
San Tung Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- paper towel
Ingredients
- 1 ½ quarts of high-quality vegetable oil for deep frying to perfection
- ½ tablespoon of aromatic ground white pepper for a subtle kick
- ½ tablespoon of minced garlic for a burst of aromatic flavor
- 1 cup of smooth and velvety cornstarch for a crispy coating
- ¼ cup of rich brown sugar or honey to add a delightful hint of sweetness
- 4 succulent chicken wings with crispy skin you can opt for skinless if desired
- ⅛ tablespoon of water to create a luscious and well-balanced sauce
- ½ small onion finely chopped for a hint of savory sweetness
- ½ tablespoon of tangy rice vinegar to add a touch of acidity
- Freshly chopped coriander leaves for a vibrant and refreshing garnish
- A pinch of salt to enhance the flavors
- 1-2 tablespoons of savory soy sauce for a savory umami taste
- ½ tablespoon of smooth and fruity olive oil to enhance the overall richness
- ¼ cup of water to add moisture to the dish
- ½ tablespoon of salt to season the dish to perfection
- ⅛ tablespoon of aromatic white pepper to add a subtle hint of warmth
- ½ tablespoon of fiery chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy twist
Instructions
- Start by washing the chicken wings, pat them dry using a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Now add 2 cups of cornstarch to a bowl and mix it with 1/4 cup of water until the mixture is smooth. Add the chicken pieces inside and coat evenly with the batter.
- Heat 3 quarts of oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350-375F. Add the chicken wings into the hot oil and deep fry them for about 8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once they’re done frying, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
- To make the sauce, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add in the garlic and onion and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Now add all of the remaining ingredients for the sauce (chili garlic sauce, brown sugar/honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Cook the sauce for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened. Add in the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped green coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed white rice or noodles of your choice.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh chicken wings for the best taste.
- Marinate the chicken wings with salt, pepper and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before deep frying them.
- Get the oil hot enough before you start deep frying the chicken wings as it ensures that they are nicely cooked inside out without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while deep frying the chicken wings as it will lower the temperature of the oil and make them soggy.
- For a more flavorful sauce, you can add some garlic to it before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
How to Store Leftover San tung Chicken wings?
You can store leftover San tung chicken wings in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them properly before reheating the chicken wings in the oven or the air fryer.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat this dish as it is cooked using fresh ingredients and does not contain any unhealthy additives.
Is San Tung chicken wings gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as the main ingredient – chicken wings are naturally gluten-free and none of the other ingredients used contain any gluten.
Is San Tung chicken wings healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option as it contains good amounts of protein, carbohydrates and essential minerals like calcium and iron. The dish is also low in fat and cholesterol making it an ideal choice for a balanced diet.
Is it vegan-friendly?
No, San Tung chicken wings are not vegan-friendly as they contain chicken which is an animal product.
Can I make this dish without deep frying the chicken wings?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of this dish by baking or air frying the chicken wings instead of deep frying them. The flavor and texture of the dish may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
Wrapping Up
As you have seen, making this delicious San Tung chicken wings dish is fairly simple. The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to your taste buds and it pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
It is suitable for all occasions and can be easily stored for later. What are you waiting for? Try making this mouth-watering dish today.
Please share this recipe with your family and friends, and don’t forget to leave a comment below if you found this article helpful.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
