Manuka honey is the perfect addition to Fish Sauce Chicken Wings, enhancing the dish with its unique flavor profile and natural sweetness.
The rich, earthy taste of Manuka honey complements the savory and umami flavors of fish sauce and garlic, creating a well-balanced and delectable coating for the crispy chicken wings. Its thick consistency helps the sauce cling to the wings, ensuring each bite is packed with sweet, savory, and spicy goodness. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey add a touch of healthiness to this indulgent dish. With KORE Manuka Honey, one of the best-rated Manuka honey brands, these chicken wings are elevated to a new level of deliciousness, making them a must-try for any food lover!
Why Choose Manuka Honey for this Recipe?
Manuka honey, especially high MGO Manuka honey from New Zealand, is prized for its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits. Its antibacterial properties add a touch of healthiness to this indulgent dish.
Using the best Manuka honey available guarantees that you’re getting a premium ingredient that will make your wings stand out.
Ingredients for Manuka Honey Fish Sauce Chicken Wings
For the Marinade:
- 1 kg / 2.2 lb chicken wings
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
For the Manuka Honey Sauce:
- 10 cloves garlic (2 left whole, the rest finely chopped)
- 1 sprig spring onion (chopped)
- 4 chili (optional)
- 4 red shallot (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp KORE Manuka Honey (high MGO New Zealand honey)
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 8 tbsp oil (3 tbsp for frying the chopped garlic, 5 for browning the red shallots)
- Juice of half a lime
- 4 tbsp water
For the Crispy Batter:
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Manuka Honey Fish Sauce Wings
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken wings with garlic powder, chicken bouillon powder, pepper, salt, and fish sauce.
- Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
- Using low heat, add 3 tbsp of cooking oil to a pan and fry the chopped garlic until golden.
- Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Coat and fully cover the marinated wings in the starch mixture.
- Shake off any excess starch.
4. First Fry:
- Heat oil to 165°C (329°F) and fry the wings for 5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked.
5. Second Fry:
- Increase the heat to 190°C (374°F) and fry the wings again for 2 minutes or until they achieve a deeper golden color. Transfer the wings to a large bowl.
6. Make the Manuka Honey Sauce:
- Heat 5 tbsp of oil in a saucepan and brown the red shallots.
- Add sugar, fish sauce, garlic, chili, Manuka honey, and water. Cook for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in lime juice.
7. Combine and Service:
- Toss the fried wings in the sauce until well coated.
- Stir in the spring onions and fried chopped garlic until combined.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Manuka Honey Chicken Wings
Frying Techniques:
- Double or Triple Fry: To keep the batter crisp longer, cook the wings until 80% golden, let them drain, then fry again until completely golden. Repeat for a triple fry if desired.
- Coat While Hot: Coat the wings with sauce while they are still hot for better absorption.
Marination and Ingredients
- Garlic Options: Garlic powder is used for ease of coating, but fresh garlic is also a great alternative
- Marinate Longer: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow deeper penetration of flavors.
- Honey Quality: Use top-rated Manuka honey. The high MGO content in Manuka honey adds unique flavor and potential health benefits to the dish.
- Alternative Ingredients: You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar and Manuka honey, and substitute corn starch with potato starch or tapioca starch if needed.
Savor these flavorful Fish Sauce Chicken Wings made with the rich sweetness of KORE Manuka Honey. The combination of crispy texture, savory fish sauce, and the unique taste of top-rated Manuka honey creates a dish that’s sure to impress. These wings showcase the versatility of New Zealand’s finest honey in a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe.