We love how Oyster Wings add a burst of savory and sweet goodness to our dinner table. This dish has roots in Leeann Chin’s Chinese-American cuisine and it’s become a beloved favorite for wing enthusiasts.
We can’t get enough of the rich oyster sauce marinade that coats each crispy wing with tangy flavor. It’s our go-to recipe when we want to impress guests because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
That fusion of bold seasonings reminds us that comfort food can be both simple and exciting.
Oyster Wings Leeann Chin Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 2 pounds | Rinsed and patted dry |
| Oyster sauce | 3 tablespoons | Adds rich umami flavor |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Balances saltiness |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon | Provides sweetness |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 teaspoon | For aromatic depth |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon | Adds zesty warmth |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Optional heat |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | For coating the baking pan |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until the marinade looks smooth and glossy.
- Place the chicken wings in a large zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade and seal the bag. Massage the wings for about 1 minute to ensure each piece gets an even coating.
- Refrigerate the wings for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. We can marinate overnight for a stronger umami punch.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until the skin takes on a golden-brown hue. Flip halfway to encourage even color.
- Remove the wings from the oven and let them sit for 3 minutes. This short rest keeps the meat moist and lets the savory marinade settle into each bite.
Additional Tip
We love to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a bold crunch that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a short list of essentials for our Oyster Wings Leeann Chin recipe. We start by gathering a large mixing bowl so we can combine our marinade ingredients without spilling. We also keep a sturdy whisk at hand for blending the oyster sauce marinade into a smooth consistency. We place a baking sheet on the counter and top it with a wire rack to promote even airflow around the wings. This method gives us crispier skin. We reach for tongs to flip and handle the wings without burning our fingers.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combines marinade ingredients for a mess-free setup |
| Whisk | Incorporates sauces and spices for an even blend |
| Baking sheet | Holds the wings during baking and gathers any drips |
| Wire rack | Elevates the wings for better airflow and crispier outcomes |
| Tongs | Moves and flips the wings without damaging their savory coating |
Ingredients
We gather a few core items to ensure these Oyster Wings burst with flavor. These ingredients balance sweet and savory notes in every bite.
Chicken Wings
- Chicken Wings: 2 pounds separated into drumettes and wingettes
Marinade Mix
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Oyster sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
| Grated ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Sauce Mix
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Additional oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Additional honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Optional chili flakes | Pinch |
Directions
We want to bring out the bold flavors of Oyster Wings with proper preparation and cooking steps. This process ensures each wing comes out crispy and full of savory goodness.
Prep The Wings
Place our chicken wings in a sturdy bowl. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly. Coat each wing in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Marinade | 30 minutes or overnight |
Cook The Wings
Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. Transfer them to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Test a wing by cutting near the bone to ensure it is cooked to our preferred doneness.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Baking | 25 minutes |
Glaze And Serve
In a small bowl, mix the extra oyster sauce with honey. Add chili flakes if we want a slight kick. Brush this glaze over the wings right out of the oven. Let them rest for a moment so the sauce clings to each piece. Place them on a platter and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
We serve these Oyster Wings hot from the oven for maximum crispiness. We plate them on a large dish so everyone can reach right in. We drizzle any remaining glaze on top for extra savory-sweet flavor.
We enjoy pairing these wings with a few simple sides. We like to keep the flavors balanced and fresh:
- Steamed jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce.
- Crunchy stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or bell peppers.
- Pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy contrast.
We garnish the wings with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for added aroma and texture. We sometimes arrange lime wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus edge. These small touches let the rich oyster glaze shine.
Below is a quick reference for our favorite serving ideas:
| Side or Garnish | Flavor Boost |
|---|---|
| Steamed jasmine rice | Absorbs savory glaze |
| Pickled cucumbers | Adds tangy crunch |
| Scallions | Provides fresh herbal notes |
| Toasted sesame seeds | Lends nutty undertones |
We also like to set out soy sauce and chili sauce so each guest can adjust heat or saltiness to their liking.
Storage And Reheating
We place any leftover Oyster Wings in an airtight container right after serving. This step helps preserve their savory marinade essence and keeps them from drying out.
Below is a quick reference for safe storage durations:
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
- Oven Method: We preheat the oven to 350°F. We arrange wings on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. We check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Air Fryer Method: We set the air fryer to 380°F. We reheat for about 8 minutes. This method helps keep them crisp.
- Microwave Method: We choose the microwave if we are short on time. We heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through but this method may soften the coating.
Conclusion
We hope you feel inspired to experiment with these Oyster Wings that combine savory flavors and crisp textures in every bite. There’s something special about a dish that starts with simple ingredients yet delivers such rich satisfaction. Let’s keep exploring creative ways to merge classic techniques with modern twists that celebrate this timeless Chinese-American favorite.
We can keep impressing our guests and ourselves with irresistible wings that bring joy to every gathering. Use your favorite sides or garnishes to round out this crowd-pleaser and enjoy the taste of home-cooked delight every time.