Smoked Chicken Wings With Bulgogi Sauce Fusion Of Flavors

Name: Smoked Chicken Wings With Bulgogi Sauce Fusion Of Flavors
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 20 Chicken wings (fresh); ¼ cup Soy sauce (Sempio Korean); 6 cloves Garlic; 1 Kiwifruit; 2 tsp Sugar (white); ½ Onion (brown or white); 2 tbsp Sesame oil; 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (toasted); ¼ cup Jalapenos (pickled); ½ Cucumber; 1 Bell pepper (green); Fresh sage leaves; Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper

Prepare as we explore the fusion of flavors in our smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce. My inspiration for this dish comes from my time spent in South Korea, my wife’s homeland. Marinating chicken in Bulgogi sauce is a well-loved chicken dish. Typically, bulgogi sauce is used to infuse its savory goodness into thinly sliced beef.

However, I’ve taken this concept a step further by introducing bulgogi-marinated chicken wings to the mix. Elevating it further by smoking them on a charcoal barbecue. The result is truly remarkable, an incredible combination of smokiness, sweetness, and saltiness that left my family craving for more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We’ll guide you step by step to create your own homemade bulgogi sauce. We’ll then walk you through the process of smoking these chicken wings to perfection on a charcoal grill. And don’t worry, even if you don’t have a barbecue. We’ve got you covered. Instructions on how to achieve the same delicious smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce right in your oven. We’ll share all the details to ensure you can savor this delightful dish no matter your cooking setup.

Smoked Chicken Wings With Bulgogi Sauce Ingredient Deep Dive

In our quest to create the perfect fusion of flavors with our smoked chicken wings and bulgogi sauce recipe. It’s crucial to understand the essence of each ingredient. These components come together to craft a culinary masterpiece. That balances the smoky goodness of the chicken wings with the bold, homemade bulgogi sauce.

Let’s embark on a journey of ingredient exploration. From the fresh chicken wings to the unique additions in our bulgogi sauce and vibrant jalapeno salad. Each element contributes to the creation of an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients

20 Fresh Chicken Wings.

Bulgogi Sauce

¼ cup Soy sauce.
6 cloves Garlic.
1 Kiwifruit, (peeled and sliced).
2 tsp White sugar.
½ Brown Onion, (finely chopped).
2 tbsp Sesame oil.
1 tbsp Sesame seeds.

Jalapeno Salad

Sliced pickled Jalapenos.
Cucumber, (diced).
Green bell pepper, (diced).
Fresh sage leaves.
Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to season food is an art that combines creativity, intuition, and a deep understanding of flavors. That transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary culinary masterpieces.

Fresh Chicken Wings — Chicken wings are the star of the show. They’re tender, juicy, and perfect for absorbing the smoky flavors during the grilling process. Choose fresh, free-range wings for the best results.

Soy Sauce — Soy sauce is the savory backbone of the sauce, providing that unmistakable umami kick. It’s salty and helps balance the sweetness of other ingredients. I’m using Sempio Korean soy.
Garlic — Garlic brings a pungent, aromatic quality to the sauce. Its distinct flavor is mellowed during cooking, infusing the sauce with a delightful garlicky essence. Source locally grown garlic bulbs.
Kiwifruit — This is a unique and unexpected addition to the sauce. It contributes a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. Kiwifruit also contains enzymes that tenderize the meat, resulting in incredibly tender chicken wings. Look for firm kiwifruit.
White Sugar — This is used to balance the flavors by providing a touch of sweetness. It complements the soy sauce and kiwifruit, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements in the sauce.
Brown Onion — Brown onion, when blended and incorporated into the sauce, lends its sweet and earthy notes. It’s an essential ingredient for building the sauce’s complexity. Look for onions that are firm with no mold or sprouts growing.
Sesame Oil — Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the bulgogi sauce. It also contributes a silky texture and a hint of roasted aroma, making it a key element in many Korean dishes. Source Korean sesame oil they have some of the best available.
Sesame Seeds — Sesame seeds not only add a pleasing visual texture but also introduce a subtle nutty flavor. They enhance the overall depth of taste in the sauce. Look for toasted sesame seeds.

Sliced Jalapenos — They bring a spicy kick to the salad. Adding a layer of heat that contrasts with the smoky and sweet flavors of the smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce.
Cucumber — Provide a refreshing and crunchy element to the salad. They balance the heat from the jalapenos and contribute a cool, hydrating contrast. This complements the smokiness of the chicken wings.
Green Bell Pepper — They introduce a crunchy texture with a slightly bitter and sweet flavor. Offering a vibrant, colorful addition that complements the other ingredients.
Fresh Sage Leaves — These aromatic leaves bring an earthy herbaceous quality to the salad, enhancing its overall fragrance. They add depth and a unique flavor that pairs well with the smokiness of the chicken.

*^{Salad Ingredients For Smoked Chicken Wings}*

Chefs Pro Tip — The careful selection and preparation of each of these ingredients are what make our smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce exceptional. The combination of these elements results in a truly harmonious fusion of flavors that will satisfy your palate and leave a lasting impression.

Smoked Chicken Wings With Bulgogi Sauce Recipe

Our recipe for smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce is not only incredibly delicious. It’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. The bulgogi sauce, a family favorite crafted by my wife, adds a uniqueness to this dish. This fusion of flavors creates an extraordinary taste profile.

Bulgogi Marinade

Start by making the marinade. Peel and dice the kiwifruit and onion. Place them both into a blender along with the garlic, soy, and sugar. Blend the ingredients to a smooth paste. Add the sesame oil and sesame seeds and pulse the blender until they are both combined.

Chefs Pro Tip — To intensify the flavors of sesame oil and seeds, it’s best to incorporate them as the final step. If you blend the sesame oil with the other ingredients too early, its distinct taste may get overshadowed by the other flavors.

Marinating The Chicken Wings

Mix all the bulgogi sauce with the chicken wings. Rub the marinade into the wings so they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.

Chefs Pro Tip — Kiwifruit possesses a remarkable enzyme known for its ability to break down protein strands in meat. Making it an excellent natural meat tenderizer.

This enzyme is found in other fruits like nashi pear, papaya, and pineapple. This natural tenderizing effect is a valuable secret that these fruits bring to the culinary world.

Smoking Chicken Wings Low And Slow

While the smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce are marinating, prepare your charcoal barbecue. I use a mix of hardwood charcoal and hickory wood for smoking. Once the coals are ashed over, place the wings on the grill.

Hickory Wood — This is renowned for its strong, smoky flavor. Making it a popular choice for smoking meats. I find it imparts a robust and slightly sweet taste to the chicken wings.

Smoke the wings with an indirect cooking method for about 1 ½ – 2 hours. Or until they are a golden color and have reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Cooking Wings In The Oven

Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). For a convection oven 150°C (300°F), or Gas mark 4.

Lay the wings onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Place them into the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the wings over and cook for another 20 minutes. Or until they are caramelized and have reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Preparing The Jalapeno Salad

As the wings smoke, prepare the salad by combining diced pickled jalapenos, diced cucumber, and green bell peppers. Add some of the pickling juice from the jalapenos to the salad. Season the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

*^{Smoked Chicken Wings Jalapeno Salad}*

Plating Your Smoked Chicken Wings With Bulgogi Sauce

Once the smoked chicken wings with bulgogi sauce are perfectly smoked, place them onto a plate. Spoon the jalapeno salad over the top and garnish with fresh sage leaves.

Helpful Resources

Can I Use A Grill Instead Of A Smoker For These Wings?

Yes, you can use a charcoal grill for a similar effect. Set up two heat zones, placing the wings on the indirect side. Add soaked wood chips or chunks to the charcoal for the smoky flavor. Control the temperature with the air vents.

How To Prevent The Wings From Becoming Too Smoky Or Bitter?

To avoid excessive smokiness, ensure the wood is well-soaked and use it sparingly. Additionally, maintain proper airflow in the smoker or grill to prevent a buildup of smoke. You want clean, white smoke, not grey or black thick smoke. This will make the smoked chicken wings bitter.

What Sides Or Garnishes Pair Well With Smoked Bulgogi Chicken Wings?

Accompany smoked bulgogi chicken wings with traditional Korean sides like kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic fusion experience. Alternatively, serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or fresh chilies that will complement the smoky, sweet flavors of the wings.

Cooking Is A Science And A Skill

Cooking is a science and a skill that requires a deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects. Cooking is also a matter of precise measurements and ratios.

For example, baking is particularly sensitive to accurate measurements and temperatures. A slight deviation in the amount of an ingredient or cooking degrees can result in a completely different outcome. So, to help you here is a handy little unit converter tool for cooking without guesswork.

2 Comments

Sam
December 25, 2023 / 5:07 am Reply

Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
- Shannon The Helpful Chef
  January 5, 2024 / 8:54 pm Reply
  Thank you so much for your kind words and for leaving such an uplifting comment!

Smoked Chicken Wings With Bulgogi Sauce Fusion Of Flavors