Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings Recipe

Introduction

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings combine the smoky, charred goodness of grilled chicken wings with the bold, umami-packed flavors of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) and creamy butter. This fusion dish brings together the heat of the chili paste, the richness of butter, and the smokiness from the grill, making it an irresistible and mouthwatering appetizer or main course. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, game night, or just craving a flavorful wing recipe, these Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are sure to be a hit.

The unique combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in this recipe will excite your taste buds, and the crispy, juicy texture of the wings will have everyone coming back for more. The marinade and glaze are simple to make yet packed with complex flavors, and grilling the wings adds a beautiful smokiness that elevates the overall dish. This recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned cooks to enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps for preparing these flavorful wings, offer some helpful tips for grilling perfection, and suggest variations to add your personal twist to the recipe. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the perfect fusion of spicy, buttery, and smoky goodness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

• Spicy and Flavorful: The star of this dish is the Gochujang, a fermented chili paste that packs a deep, smoky heat. It brings a savory, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich butter, creating a bold taste in every bite.
• Smoky and Charred: Grilling the wings adds a wonderful smoky char that contrasts with the buttery glaze, giving them a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The grill enhances the flavors of the Gochujang and butter while giving the wings a satisfying crunch.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: The Gochujang paste is complemented by honey and butter, offering a nice balance of spicy heat, savory depth, and a touch of sweetness. This perfect harmony of flavors makes the wings incredibly addicting.
• Simple Yet Impressive: The recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to find, and the grilling technique is straightforward. Despite the simplicity, the wings look and taste impressive, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a backyard BBQ, a tailgate party, or a cozy family dinner, these Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are an exciting addition to any meal. They also make a great appetizer for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 10 wings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-280 calories per serving, depending on the size of the wings and the ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-280 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gochujang Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken Wings

Start by preparing the chicken wings. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely on the grill. Drizzle the wings with olive oil, then season them with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure they are evenly coated in oil and seasoning for a flavorful base.

If you prefer, you can also remove the tips of the wings and separate the drumettes and flats for a more manageable grilling experience. However, keeping them whole is perfectly fine if you like the rustic presentation.

2. Make the Gochujang Butter Sauce

While the wings are prepped, it’s time to make the delicious Gochujang butter sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Gochujang chili paste, melted butter, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil (if using), and lime juice (if using). Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

The Gochujang will provide a rich, spicy kick, while the honey and butter balance out the heat with sweetness and richness. The soy sauce adds umami, and the rice vinegar provides a bit of acidity to cut through the richness of the butter. The garlic and sesame oil bring additional depth to the flavor profile.

3. Marinate the Wings (Optional)

While marinating is optional, you can let the wings sit in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors of the Gochujang butter sauce. This step can be especially beneficial if you want the wings to have a deeper, more infused flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and proceed directly to grilling.

If you choose to marinate, be sure to keep the wings in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

4. Preheat the Grill

While the wings are marinating (or after you’ve seasoned them), preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want the grill to be hot enough to give the wings a nice sear without burning them. Ideally, the temperature should be around 400-450°F (204-232°C).

If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they are covered with white ash, then spread them out for even heat. If you’re using a gas grill, simply adjust the temperature to medium-high and close the lid.

5. Grill the Wings

Once the grill is preheated, place the wings on the grill grates. Cook the wings for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The wings should develop a nice char and become crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.

Use tongs to turn the wings, being careful not to pierce the skin. If you’re using bone-in wings, the cooking process may take slightly longer than boneless wings, so adjust the grilling time as necessary. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C) when they are fully cooked.

6. Glaze the Wings with Gochujang Butter Sauce

Once the wings are almost done grilling, brush them generously with the Gochujang butter sauce. Be sure to coat the wings evenly with the glaze, ensuring that every wing gets a good layer of the flavorful sauce. Let the wings grill for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly, giving the wings a glossy, sticky finish.

If you like extra sauce, you can brush the wings with more Gochujang butter sauce after they come off the grill for a double layer of flavor.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the wings are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish the wings with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. These garnishes also complement the flavors of the wings, adding a mild crunch and a burst of freshness.

Serve the Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings immediately while they’re still hot. These wings are perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, for added flavor. They also pair well with a cold drink, making them an ideal snack for a party or casual get-together.

Tips for Perfect Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

• Use Fresh Wings: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh chicken wings rather than frozen wings. Fresh wings will be juicier and more flavorful when grilled.
• Don’t Overcook the Wings: Grilled wings cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Keep a close eye on the wings to ensure they’re crispy on the outside but still juicy inside. Overcooking can lead to dry wings.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Gochujang can be quite spicy, so feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste in the sauce to match your preferred level of heat. You can also add a tablespoon of ketchup to the sauce to tone down the spiciness if needed.
• Baste the Wings in Phases: For the best caramelization, apply the Gochujang butter sauce in layers. Brush the wings with sauce during the final stages of grilling, and then add another coat once the wings come off the grill for an extra layer of flavor.
• Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure the wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Variations of Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

• Spicy Garlic Gochujang Butter Wings: Add extra garlic to the sauce for a bold garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy Gochujang. You can also add chili flakes for additional heat.
• Lemon-Ginger Gochujang Butter Wings: For a fresh twist, add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and a squeeze of lemon juice to the Gochujang butter sauce. This adds a zesty kick that enhances the richness of the butter.
• Gochujang Teriyaki Wings: For a sweet and savory twist, mix in some teriyaki sauce with the Gochujang butter sauce. This will give the wings a more Asian-inspired flavor profile with a balance of salty and sweet.
• Honey Mustard Gochujang Wings: For a tangy variation, blend honey mustard with the Gochujang butter sauce. The honey mustard adds a sharp contrast to the spicy heat of the Gochujang, creating a tangy and spicy flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored for later. Allow the wings to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply place the wings in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes to restore some of the crispy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the wings. Arrange the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are delicious on their own but can be paired with a variety of sides to make for a complete meal. Here are some ideas for sides that complement the bold flavors of the wings:

• Crispy Fries: Serve the wings with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic comfort food pairing. The fries are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy Asian-inspired slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing makes a fresh and refreshing contrast to the spicy, buttery wings.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve the wings alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob for a smoky, balanced meal.
• Rice: Pair the wings with steamed white or brown rice to absorb the flavorful sauce and create a filling meal. You can also try fried rice or rice pilaf for a more flavorful option.
• Cold Beverages: These wings pair wonderfully with cold beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer. If you’re serving them at a party, consider offering a refreshing cocktail such as a mojito or a simple gin and tonic.

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Conclusion

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are a bold, flavorful, and delicious addition to any meal. The combination of spicy Gochujang, rich butter, and smoky grilled wings creates an unforgettable taste that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a casual dinner at home, these wings are guaranteed to impress.

With a simple preparation and grilling technique, along with a few helpful tips and variations, you can create these mouthwatering wings that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness makes Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings a must-try for any wing lover or grill enthusiast. Enjoy!