Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed, towel-dried)
  • water
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup dark soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

  • Brine the wings in a covered container by first dissolving kosher salt in cold water. Make sure there is enough water to cover the wings. Refrigerate the wings and salt solution for 4-6 hours maximum.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce: Combine the honey, ketchup, dark soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper and cayenne in a small saucepan. Simmer on low for 15 minutes to thicken. Set aside.
  • After the wings are done brining, heat the oil in a deep fryer to 320°F.
  • Drain the wings and dry them with paper towel. When the oil reaches the desired temperature, fry the wings a batch at a time (about 10-12 wings together will be best). Depending on the size of your wings, cooking time will vary from 10-15 minutes (check for doneness, even if wings seem pale they may be cooked through).
  • Remove wings from the fryer and place in a large bowl. Add 2 tbsp of the sauce and toss the wings to coat evenly. Add more sauce if needed, but start with a little at a time. Continue frying up remaining wings and repeat this step.
  • Serve with napkins, as these get your fingers sticky!