Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken wings (scored)
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp white pepper powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp cooking oil (for pan-frying)
• Chinese salt and pepper seasoning (Jiaoyan (toasted Sichuan peppercorns and salt), to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Score the chicken wings by making small cuts into the skin and meat to allow the marinade to penetrate.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, marinate the wings with Chinese cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, and pepper powder.

3. 3

   Add the egg, cornstarch, and flour to the bowl.

4. 4

   Mix everything really well until the chicken wings are evenly coated in the batter.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan fry the wings until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

6. 6

   Sprinkle with Chinese salt and pepper seasoning (jiaoyan) while hot and enjoy.

Notes

Jiaoyan is typically made by lightly toasting Sichuan peppercorns and sea salt in a dry pan until fragrant, then grinding them into a fine powder. You can also add a pinch of five-spice powder or MSG for extra depth.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken wings
• Chinese
• pan-fried
• appetizer
• savory