Crispy and Savory Soy Sauce Chicken
The Perfect Match for Beer! How to Make Delicious Soy Sauce Chicken at Home
Chicken and beer – a match made in heaven! Today, we’re making the ultimate beer companion: crispy yet tender soy sauce chicken right in your own kitchen. This chicken is coated in a savory and sweet soy glaze that perfectly complements the slightly bitter taste of a cold beer. It’s an ideal dish for any occasion, turning an ordinary evening into a special treat.
Main Ingredients- Chicken wings, 600g
- Milk (for tenderizing and removing odor)
- Mirin or cooking wine (for removing odor)
- Salt, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
Batter- Frying mix (tempura flour) 170g
- Cornstarch 85g (Frying mix to cornstarch ratio 2:1)
- Ice-cold beer (for batter consistency)
Soy Sauce Glaze- Soy sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Honey or corn syrup, 2 Tbsp (for sweetness)
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp (for umami)
- Mirin or cooking wine, 2 Tbsp (for flavor)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Dried red chili peppers (peperoncino), 1-2 (optional, for heat)
- Frying mix (tempura flour) 170g
- Cornstarch 85g (Frying mix to cornstarch ratio 2:1)
- Ice-cold beer (for batter consistency)
Soy Sauce Glaze- Soy sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Honey or corn syrup, 2 Tbsp (for sweetness)
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp (for umami)
- Mirin or cooking wine, 2 Tbsp (for flavor)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Dried red chili peppers (peperoncino), 1-2 (optional, for heat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the chicken wings to remove any gamey odor. Place the chicken wings in a bowl and pour enough milk to cover them. Let them soak for 30 minutes. The milk will help tenderize the chicken and remove any unwanted smells.
Step 2
After 30 minutes, discard the milk and rinse the chicken wings thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to wash away any remaining milk residue or impurities.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to season the chicken. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the rinsed wings. Add 2 tablespoons of mirin or cooking wine for extra flavor, and gently mix everything together. Let the chicken marinate for another 20 minutes; this step ensures the flavors penetrate the meat.
Step 4
Let’s make the crispy coating! In a large bowl, combine 170g of frying mix (tempura flour) and 85g of cornstarch. Mix them well in a 2:1 ratio. This blend will make your fried chicken extra crispy.
Step 5
Set aside about one-third of the dry batter mix. You can use this later if you want a thicker coating, or to adjust the batter if it becomes too thin.
Step 6
To the remaining two-thirds of the dry batter mix, gradually pour in ice-cold beer while whisking. Aim for a consistency that’s not too thick and not too thin – it should lightly coat the chicken wings. Using very cold beer helps achieve a crispier texture.
Step 7
Heat the frying oil to 180°C (350°F). If you have a thermometer, use it. Otherwise, test the oil by dipping a wooden chopstick; small bubbles should form around it when it’s ready.
Step 8
Lightly coat the marinated chicken wings with the reserved dry batter mix (from step 4). This initial dry coating helps the wet batter adhere better.
Step 9
Dip the chicken wings, now coated in dry mix, into the beer batter. Ensure they are evenly coated. A light, even coating is best.
Step 10
Carefully place the battered chicken wings into the hot oil (180°C/350°F). Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry the wings for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown.
Step 11
For extra crispiness, we’ll fry the chicken twice! Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest for a minute. Then, return the wings to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes. This double-frying technique ensures a perfectly crispy exterior and a moist interior.
Step 12
Now, let’s make the delicious soy sauce glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey or corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin or cooking wine, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1-2 dried red chili peppers (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 13
Heat the soy sauce mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and bubbles gently. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 14
Once the glaze is ready, turn off the heat. Immediately add the double-fried chicken wings to the saucepan. Toss them quickly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the glossy sauce. Work fast to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or the chicken from losing its crispness.
Step 15
Transfer the beautifully glazed soy sauce chicken to a serving plate. Garnish if desired. Enjoy this irresistible treat while it’s hot, with your favorite cold beer!
