I can’t help but rave about these spicy gochujang butter wings. Seriously, if you’re not drooling yet, just wait until you smell them sizzling on the grill. The sweet and spicy marinade? Pure magic. And trust me, they’re super easy to make, even for a kitchen klutz like me. Once you try these crispy, buttery delights, you might want to keep the recipe under wraps. Curious how to whip these up?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might think wings are just wings, but wait until you try these spicy gochujang butter wings. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
First off, the gochujang gives these gochujang butter grilled wings a fiery kick that dances on your taste buds. I like to let the wings marinate for a couple of hours, letting that flavor soak in deep.
When you grill them, the aroma that fills the air? Pure bliss. Then, basting them with melted butter in the last few minutes? That’s where the magic happens.
Each bite, crispy and juicy, makes it hard to stop. Who needs takeout when you can whip up incredible wings at home? Seriously, your friends will be begging for more.
Equipment List
When it comes to whipping up these spicy gochujang butter wings, having the right equipment can make all the difference.
First off, you’ll need a good grill. I swear, my life changed when I got mine.
You’ll also want a large mixing bowl for marinating the wings—trust me, a small bowl just won’t do.
Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons; precision is key (even if I sometimes eyeball it and regret it later).
A basting brush is essential, too, especially when butter’s involved—yes, please.
Finally, grab a spatula for flipping those wings with flair.
Okay, I may drop mine occasionally, but hey, that just adds to the charm, right?
Additionally, using a high-end cookware set can further elevate your grilling experience and enhance the final dish.
Get ready, ‘cause these wings are worth every grilling moment.
Our Ingredients
When it comes to creating those delicious Spicy Gochujang Butter Wings, the magic truly lies in the ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—or in this case, the grill. Trust me, you want to make sure you have everything on hand before you plunge in. Nothing is worse than getting halfway through and realizing you’re missing a key player.
So, let’s break it down and make sure you’re fully stocked for flavor town!
Ingredients List:
- Chicken wings
- Gochujang paste
- Butter
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (minced)
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. You might be thinking, “I can skip the ginger, right?”—but I’ll tell you, my friend, ginger is one of those secret heroes that really kicks things up a notch. It adds a zing that balances out the sweetness and spice beautifully.
And speaking of spice, gochujang can vary in heat. If you’re feeling daring, go for a spicier version, or if you’re a little more timid, just start with a milder one. You can always adjust the levels to suit your taste—fire-breathing dragon or gentle butterfly, you choose.
Plus, don’t skimp on the quality of those chicken wings, either. Fresh, juicy wings make all the difference, so keep that in mind as you prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Spicy Gochujang Butter Wings is an adventure in flavor that’s absolutely worth it. Once you get the hang of the marinating and grilling process, you’ll feel like a culinary rock star. Let’s explore the nitty-gritty so you can impress your friends, family, or even just yourself with these mouth-watering wings. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Wings: Start with 2 pounds of chicken wings. In a large bowl, mix together ¼ cup of gochujang paste, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
Whisk it all together until it’s well combined and looks like a thick, spicy red sauce. Then add the wings to the bowl, making sure each one gets a good coat of that delicious marinade. Cover it up and let it hang out in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours—go ahead, find something fun to do while you wait.
2. Preheat the Grill: Now that the wings are happily soaking up all those flavors, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to about 350°F. You’ll want to set it up for indirect heat, meaning you want one side of the grill hotter than the other.
This way, you get perfect grilling action without burning those poor wings to a crisp.
3. Grill the Wings: Once your grill is hot and ready, place the marinated wings on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and grill those beauties for about 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Just think about how amazing your backyard is going to smell—if only we could bottle that scent for future use.
4. Butter Brush Time: Here comes the best part—melt ¼ cup of butter in a bowl. When the wings are just about done, use a brush (or whatever else you have on hand, like your fingers, but we do recommend a brush) to slather that melted butter all over the wings during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
This step adds richness and creates a glossy finish. Your wings are going to be gleaming—like they just came from a salon appointment.
5. Serve and Garnish: When the wings look golden and have that delicious grilled char, take them off the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Meanwhile, grab some sesame seeds and chopped green onions to sprinkle over the top. These little touches take your creation from great to restaurant-level impressive. Seriously, don’t skip this part.
And there you have it! Serve your Spicy Gochujang Butter Wings with pride. Maybe have some extra napkins nearby—things could get a little saucy.
Enjoy the satisfaction of a delicious homemade meal that’s packed with flavor and totally Instagram-worthy. Just try not to eat them all yourself; sharing is caring after all, even if it’s a struggle. Investing in a high end rice cooker can elevate your cooking experience, allowing you to perfectly prepare sides like rice to complement these wings.
Tips & Variations
Sometimes, the best part of cooking isn’t just the meal itself, but the fun little tweaks you can make along the way. If you’re anything like me, you love experimenting.
I often adjust the gochujang for a spicier kick—after all, who doesn’t enjoy a little heat? If you find yourself buttering the wings more, don’t feel guilty; it adds such richness.
And speaking of richness, try tossing in some lime juice for a zesty twist. Feeling adventurous? Swap the chicken wings for cauliflower for a vegetarian version; just marinate and grill like normal. You might even surprise yourself.
Trust me, my first attempt was a ghost pepper disaster, but hey, live and learn. Enjoy getting creative!
How to Serve?
Serving up those grilled Gochujang butter wings is where the fun really begins. Imagine this: you’ve just grilled them to perfection, the aroma wafting through the air, and it’s time to dig in.
I like to sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and crunch—trust me, it looks fancy. Grab some napkins, because things are gonna get saucy. Serve them hot right off the grill, and maybe offer a side of cooling ranch or creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.
For my friends who can handle it, I sometimes add a few extra slices of spicy radish. Everyone loves a little extra flair, don’t you think? Enjoy the feast and embrace the messy goodness!
Storage & Reheating Guide
After indulging in those scrumptious grilled Gochujang butter wings, it’s only natural to have some leftovers—if you’re lucky, that is.
I usually store mine in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can hang out for about three to four days. Trust me; they won’t last long.
When it’s time to reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Using a high-end kitchen cooking appliance will ensure even heating for the best results.
You can also use an air fryer if you have one—super quick and they come out perfectly crispy.
Microwaving? Well, that can turn them chewy, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Final Thoughts
While it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of sizzling wings and that irresistible gochujang flavor, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey we’ve just started on together with these grilled goodies.
Honestly, who knew that a simple marinade could lead to such finger-licking joy? The combination of spicy and savory gets me every time.
And don’t worry if you accidentally add too much gochujang; you’ll just have wings on fire—literally. Remember, it’s all about balance and adjusting to your taste.
When you serve these at your next gathering, prepare for compliments. You might just earn yourself a reputation as the “wing wizard” of your friend group.