Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Introduction

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. These crispy, juicy wings are coated in a rich, buttery gochujang sauce that combines the deep, smoky heat of Korean chili paste with the richness of butter. The result is a finger-licking, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for grilling season, parties, or just when you’re craving something with a little extra kick. The wings are grilled to crispy perfection, with a glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the heat, making them irresistible from the first bite.

I remember the first time I made these for a backyard BBQ, and the reaction from everyone was priceless. The spicy-sweet glaze is simply addicting, and it’s hard not to go back for more. What’s great about these wings is how versatile they are—you can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste by adding more or less gochujang. The butter adds a smooth richness that balances out the heat, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

These wings are surprisingly easy to make, with just a few ingredients and a hot grill. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these wings will make you feel like you’re dining at a trendy Korean BBQ joint. Serve them with a side of pickled vegetables, rice, or a simple salad, and you’re in for a treat that’s sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• BBQs and Grilling Parties
• Game Day Snacks
• Family Gatherings
• Spicy Food Lovers
• Quick and Flavorful Dinners

Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Here’s why Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings will become your new favorite:

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of gochujang and butter creates a rich, complex sauce that has a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.
• Crispy and Juicy: Grilled to perfection, these wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them the ideal bite.
• Versatile Heat: Gochujang provides heat without being overwhelming, allowing the other flavors to shine.
• Quick to Make: Despite being packed with flavor, these wings come together quickly, especially when grilled.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a tasty dinner, these wings are always a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (varies depending on portion size and amount of sauce used)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Gochujang: A key ingredient in Korean cuisine, gochujang adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the wings, with a slight sweetness that balances the heat.
• Butter: The butter adds richness and helps to mellow out the heat from the gochujang, creating a creamy, flavorful glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce, bringing depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the spice of the gochujang, giving the sauce a hint of sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that enhances the sauce and gives it a delicious richness.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger contribute an aromatic, savory kick to the wings, complementing the heat and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings:

Prepare the Wings:

1. Prep the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get crispy when grilled.
2. Season the Wings: Lightly season the wings with salt and pepper. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Prepare the Gochujang Butter Sauce:

3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, melted butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or more gochujang for heat, depending on your preference.

Grill the Wings:

4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect grilling.
5. Grill the Wings: Place the wings on the grill, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and the wings are cooked through. Use tongs to turn the wings occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
6. Glaze the Wings: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the wings generously with the gochujang butter sauce, turning them to coat evenly. Be careful not to burn the sauce, as the honey can caramelize quickly.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the wings from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these wings as a starter at your next BBQ, party, or gathering.
• With a Side of Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice to balance out the heat and add substance to the meal.
• With Vegetables: Pair with fresh veggies like cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to complement the rich, spicy wings.
• For Game Day: These wings are perfect for snacking while watching the game, especially when paired with cold drinks.
• With Dipping Sauce: Consider serving them with a side of ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the spice.

Additional Tips for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Here are some tips to ensure your Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Gochujang: If you’re using gochujang, ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor. A jar that’s been open for a long time may lose some of its potency.
• Grill Over Indirect Heat: If you’re grilling on a charcoal grill, consider setting it up for indirect heat to prevent the wings from burning while they cook through.
• Double Coat the Wings: For extra flavor, apply two coats of the gochujang butter sauce—one before grilling and one during the final grilling stage.
• Adjust the Spice: Gochujang varies in heat depending on the brand. If you prefer milder wings, use less gochujang and add more honey to balance the heat.
• Cook in Batches: If your grill is small, cook the wings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking.

Recipe Variations for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Here are some variations you can try for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings:

• Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Wings: Increase the amount of honey for a sweeter, less spicy glaze.
• Lemon Gochujang Wings: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty, citrusy twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Gochujang Wings: Toss the wings in a garlic parmesan sauce after grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Smoky Gochujang Wings: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce to give it an extra smoky flavor.
• Korean BBQ Style: Serve the wings with a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean BBQ experience.
• Gochujang Lime Wings: Add lime zest or lime juice to the sauce for a tangy contrast to the richness of the butter.

Freezing and Storage for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

• Freezing: If you want to make these wings ahead of time, you can freeze them after grilling. Let the wings cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or on the grill until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for best results.

Special Equipment for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings easier:

• Grill: A gas or charcoal grill is necessary to get that perfect crispy exterior and smoky flavor.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush will help you apply the gochujang butter sauce evenly to the wings.
• Tongs: Use tongs to turn the wings on the grill and avoid piercing the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: If you want to ensure your wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Grill Basket: If you want to prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grill grates, use a grill basket.

Frequently Asked Questions for Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

1. Can I bake the wings instead of grilling?
   Yes, you can bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, and glaze them with the gochujang butter sauce during the last few minutes of baking.
2. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time since boneless cuts will cook faster than wings.
3. How do I adjust the heat level?
   If you want to reduce the heat, use less go chujang or substitute with a milder chili paste. For more heat, increase the amount of gochujang or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
   You can prepare the wings and make the sauce ahead of time. Grill the wings and apply the sauce just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
5. What can I serve with Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings?
   These wings pair well with a variety of sides like kimchi, fried rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Consider serving with a cold drink to balance the heat.

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Conclusion

Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings are a delicious and exciting dish that combines the best of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The tender wings, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, are coated with a rich, buttery gochujang sauce that will keep you coming back for more. Whether for a BBQ, party, or casual dinner, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of bold flavors, a perfect balance of heat, and the irresistible grilled texture makes this dish an absolute favorite for anyone who loves bold, flavorful food.

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to special occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ or enjoying them with friends, these wings will bring excitement to your meal.

I’d love to see how your Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!