Out of all the chicken wings I've tried, Vietnamese chicken wings are probably my favorite. They're a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that keep me coming back. And that nice crunch on the outside? It is irresistible.
Tap Dry: Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the wings with salt, paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Let the wings marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Fry the Garlic
Heat some oil over medium heat in a small pan and fry the minced garlic until golden brown. Remove the garlic and set aside, reserving the garlic-infused oil.
Fry the Chicken Wings
Coat the Wings: In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca flour, and baking powder. Dredge the marinated chicken wings in the dry mixture, ensuring each wing is well-coated.
First Fry: In a deep pan or fryer, heat the garlic-infused oil (adding more oil if needed) to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken wings in batches for about 6-8 minutes until they are light golden brown. Remove and drain oil on a rack.
Double Fry: After all the wings have been fried once, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings again for 2-3 minutes until they are extra crispy and golden brown. This double-frying method ensures the wings have a perfect crunch.
Make the Sauce
Caramelize the Sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar and let it melt and caramelize. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Mix the Ingredients: Once the sugar is caramelized, slowly add water, fish sauce, lemon juice, and chopped Thai chilies. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Toss in Sauce
Toss the fried chicken wings with the caramelized sauce in the pan until they are thoroughly coated.
Garnish and Serve
Arrange the wings on a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped chives, and the crispy fried garlic.