Oyster wings are a beloved appetizer at Leeann Chin, known for their crispy texture and savory flavor that keeps us coming back for more. This recipe captures the essence of those golden, crunchy wings coated in a perfectly seasoned batter that’s both light and satisfying.
Recreating Leeann Chin’s oyster wings at home lets us enjoy that signature taste anytime without waiting in line. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these wings deliver a crowd-pleasing punch that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Let’s dive into the simple steps to bring this iconic dish from the restaurant right to our kitchen table.
Ingredients
To create the authentic Leeann Chin Oyster Wings at home, we need to gather fresh, flavorful ingredients for each component. These carefully selected items ensure the wings achieve that perfect crispy texture and savory flavor.
For the Marinade
The marinade tenderizes the wings and infuses the signature taste into every bite.
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (preferably low sodium for balance)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Oyster Wings Batter
The batter gives the wings their addictive crunch and light coating.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornstarch | 1 cup | Provides crispiness |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | For structure |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp | Adds lightness |
| Cold water | 3/4 cup | Keeps batter smooth |
| Egg | 1 large | Binds the batter |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Enhances flavor |
For the Sauce
This sauce is the heart of Leeann Chin Oyster Wings, delivering bold umami and a hint of sweetness.
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce (the key ingredient)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for slurry)
For Garnish
The garnish adds color and fresh aroma, elevating the presentation and taste.
- Chopped green onions (2 tbsp)
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp, toasted)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for freshness)
With these ingredients assembled, we are ready to start transforming raw wings into Leeann Chin’s famous oyster wings full of irresistible flavor and crunch.
Equipment Needed
To recreate the Leeann Chin Oyster Wings perfectly, having the right equipment is essential. These tools help us marinate, batter, fry, and sauce the wings with ease and consistency.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowls
For marinating the chicken wings and mixing the batter evenly.
- Whisk
To blend the batter ingredients until smooth, ensuring a crispy coating.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements make a flavorful and well-balanced marinade and sauce.
- Deep Fryer or Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
For frying the wings at the correct temperature to achieve maximum crunch without greasiness.
- Cooking Thermometer
To monitor the oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F, critical for perfect crispy texture.
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer
To safely remove the wings from hot oil, draining excess oil efficiently.
- Saucepan
To prepare the oyster wing sauce perfectly, allowing it to thicken without burning.
- Tongs
To handle wings during frying and coating evenly with sauce.
Optional but Recommended
- Wire Rack with Baking Sheet
Place wings on this immediately after frying to keep them crispy by allowing excess oil to drip off.
- Chopping Board and Knife
For prepping garnish ingredients like green onions and cilantro.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowls | Marinating wings, mixing batter |
| Whisk | Blending batter smoothly |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Deep Fryer/Pot | Frying wings to crispy perfection |
| Cooking Thermometer | Monitoring precise oil temperature (350°F-375°F) |
| Slotted Spoon/Strainer | Removing and draining fried wings |
| Saucepan | Cooking and thickening oyster wing sauce |
| Tongs | Handling wings safely during frying and saucing |
| Wire Rack & Baking Sheet | Draining excess oil, keeping wings crispy |
| Chopping Board & Knife | Preparing garnish |
With this essential equipment on hand, we can seamlessly follow through on each step of the Leeann Chin Oyster Wings Recipe. This ensures our wings come out crispy, flavorful, and restaurant-quality every time.
Prep Work
Before diving into cooking, we must complete the essential Prep Work to ensure our Leeann Chin Oyster Wings deliver that signature crispy texture and bold flavor. Proper preparation sets the foundation for success.
Preparing the Oyster Wings
First, we start with the wings themselves:
- Rinse 2 pounds of chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, separate the wing tips from the drumettes and flats. Reserve or discard wing tips.
- Pierce each wing piece a few times with a fork to help the marinade penetrate deeply.
- Place the wings in a large mixing bowl, ready for marinating.
Mixing the Marinade
A well-balanced marinade is key to infusing these wings with authentic Leeann Chin flavor:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons | Use low-sodium for better control of saltiness |
| Shaoxing wine | 2 tablespoons | Adds depth and tenderizes |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece | Minced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| White pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Provides subtle heat |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances overall flavor |
To mix:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until well blended.
- Pour over the prepared wings and toss until fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Preparing the Sauce
The sauce creates the bold umami and subtle sweetness that define these wings:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Oyster sauce | 4 tablespoons | Rich, savory base |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Saltiness and color |
| Hoisin sauce | 1 tablespoon | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Balances savory notes |
| Chili garlic sauce | 1 teaspoon | Mild heat and aroma |
| Water | 1/4 cup | Adjusts consistency |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | Thickens the sauce |
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chili garlic sauce.
- Stir in water to loosen the mixture.
- Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat.
- Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside for coating the fried wings.
With these prep steps completed, we position ourselves perfectly to move on to the batter and frying stages that create authentic Leeann Chin Oyster Wings.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to prepare the Leeann Chin Oyster Wings with their legendary crispiness and bold flavor. Each stage carefully builds on the last to guarantee authentic taste.
Marinating the Wings
- Rinse the chicken wings thoroughly under cold water and pat dry using paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife or skewer, pierce each wing several times to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following marinade ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Shaoxing wine | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| White pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
- Place the wings in the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Preparing the Batter
- In a clean bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients until smooth:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cornstarch | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
- In a separate container, whisk the wet ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cold water | 3/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix while whisking to form a light, smooth batter. Avoid overmixing for the perfect crisp coat.
Frying the Oyster Wings
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), using a cooking thermometer to maintain accuracy.
- Remove the wings from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off.
- Dip each wing into the prepared batter, fully coating it.
- Carefully lower the wings into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each batch for 6 to 8 minutes or until the wings turn a deep golden brown and the batter is crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer wings to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Maintain oil temperature between batches.
Tossing Wings in Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients and cook over medium heat until thickened:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oyster sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chili garlic sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch (slurry) | 1 teaspoon mixed with 1 tablespoon water |
- Once the sauce simmers and thickens, remove it from heat.
- Place the fried wings in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm sauce over the wings and toss vigorously to coat each wing evenly.
- Immediately garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
To enjoy our Leeann Chin Oyster Wings at their best, consider these serving tips that balance flavor, texture, and presentation to impress every guest.
Pairing Ideas
- Serve the wings alongside steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to absorb the rich, savory sauce.
- Offer crisp vegetable sticks like celery and carrot on the side for a refreshing crunch.
- Complement the wings with Asian-inspired sides such as pickled cucumbers, edamame, or a simple seaweed salad.
Presentation Tips
- Arrange the wings on a large platter garnished with extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro to highlight the layered flavors.
- Use a drizzle of additional sauce over the wings just before serving for a visually appealing gloss and extra taste.
- Provide small bowls of chili garlic sauce or sweet soy sauce on the side for guests who want to customize their heat level.
Beverage Pairings
- Pair the crispy wings with a chilled lager or a light Asian-style beer to balance the bold umami flavors.
- For non-alcoholic options, try iced green tea or a citrus-infused sparkling water that cleanses the palate between bites.
Serving Temperature
- Serve the wings hot and fresh to maintain their crispy texture.
- If preparing ahead, keep them warm on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C) to retain crispiness without steaming.
| Serving Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Main Dish | Leeann Chin Oyster Wings |
| Starch Side | Steamed white or jasmine rice |
| Vegetable Side | Celery sticks, carrot sticks, pickled cucumbers |
| Garnishes | Chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro |
| Dipping Sauces | Extra chili garlic sauce, sweet soy sauce |
| Beverage Pairings | Lager, Asian beer, iced green tea, sparkling water |
| Serving Temperature | Hot (freshly fried or warmed at 200°F / 93°C) |
Let’s plate these Leeann Chin Oyster Wings thoughtfully to maximize every bite’s satisfaction for our family and friends.
Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy Leeann Chin Oyster Wings with ease and perfection, planning ahead is key. Here are our top make-ahead tips to maintain the wings’ signature crispy texture and bold flavor without compromising quality.
Marinate the Wings Overnight
Marinating the chicken wings for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight allows the soy, Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, and white pepper to deeply penetrate the meat. This step is crucial for achieving authentic umami-packed oyster wings. Store the wings in an airtight container or a large resealable bag in the refrigerator to prevent contamination and flavor loss.
Prepare the Batter in Advance
The batter ingredients (cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cold water, egg, and salt) can be mixed a few hours before frying. Keep the batter covered and refrigerated. Before frying, whisk the batter again to restore its smooth consistency, as some separation may occur.
Pre-Cook and Freeze for Convenience
For busy days, you can pre-fry the wings until light golden (about 70% cooked), then spread them out on a baking sheet to cool. Once cooled, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or container.
| Step | Description | Storage Time | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinate | Refrigerate wings in marinade | Up to 24 hours | Use directly for frying |
| Batter Mix | Prepare batter mix & refrigerate | Up to 6 hours | Whisk before using |
| Partial Fry & Freeze | Fry wings to 70%, cool, freeze | Up to 1 month | Finish frying directly from frozen |
When ready to serve, fry the wings again from frozen until golden brown and crispy. This two-step frying process preserves the texture and locks in flavors.
Make the Sauce Ahead
Cook the oyster sauce blend (oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili garlic sauce, cornstarch slurry) in advance and allow it to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm gently on the stove before tossing with freshly fried wings.
Garnish Prep
Chop green onions, toast sesame seeds, and prepare fresh cilantro up to a day ahead. Keep garnishes in small covered containers or resealable bags to retain freshness and color.
Pro Tip: Serve the wings immediately after tossing in sauce for the crispiest bite. If storing cooked wings, keep sauce and wings separate until just before serving.
By following these make-ahead steps, we can effortlessly enjoy our flavorful Leeann Chin Oyster Wings anytime with minimal last-minute prep.
Conclusion
Making Leeann Chin Oyster Wings at home lets us bring a restaurant favorite straight to our table with ease and confidence. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, we can achieve that perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, savory flavor every time. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these wings are sure to impress and satisfy.
By following the steps and tips shared, we can enjoy this iconic dish whenever cravings strike, without the wait or hassle. It’s all about savoring great taste and sharing delicious moments together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Leeann Chin Oyster Wings?
Leeann Chin Oyster Wings are crispy, marinated chicken wings tossed in a savory oyster sauce blend, inspired by the popular Asian restaurant dish. They combine a flavorful marinade, crunchy batter, and rich sauce for a delicious appetizer.
What ingredients are needed to make Leeann Chin Oyster Wings?
You’ll need chicken wings, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, white pepper, salt, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, egg, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili garlic sauce, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
How long should the wings be marinated?
For best flavor, marinate the wings in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, though overnight marinating is ideal to deeply infuse the flavors.
What equipment is essential for making these wings?
Key tools include mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a deep fryer or heavy pot, cooking thermometer, slotted spoon or spider strainer, saucepan, tongs, and optionally a wire rack and chopping board.
How do I achieve the wings’ characteristic crispiness?
To get crispy wings, properly dry the wings before battering, use the cornstarch and flour batter, fry at the correct oil temperature, and drain on a wire rack to keep them crunchy.
Can I prepare the wings in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the wings overnight, prepare the batter and sauce ahead, and even pre-cook and freeze the wings, making it easy to enjoy anytime with minimal prep.
What are good serving suggestions for oyster wings?
Serve the wings hot with jasmine or white rice, fresh vegetable sticks, Asian sides like pickled cucumbers or seaweed salad, and pair with chilled lager or iced green tea for a balanced meal.
Is a deep fryer required to make these wings?
No, a deep fryer is not strictly necessary. You can use a heavy-bottomed pot with enough oil, but a deep fryer helps maintain optimal temperature and safety during frying.
How is the sauce made for Leeann Chin Oyster Wings?
The sauce combines oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili garlic sauce, water, and cornstarch, cooked to a thick, flavorful glaze that coats the wings perfectly.
What garnishes complement the wings?
Chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro add flavor and visual appeal, enhancing the overall taste and presentation of the wings.