Name: How To Make Tebasaki (Japanese-Style Chicken Wings)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 lbs Chicken Wings; 2 Tbsp Cornstarch; ¼ tsp Salt; Black Pepper to taste; 10g Grated Garlic (for the sauce); 10g Grated Ginger (for the sauce); 75ml Soy Sauce (for the sauce); 1 Tbsp Mirin (for the sauce); 2 tsp White Sugar (for the sauce); ⅛ tsp Sesame Oil (for the sauce)

How To Make Tebasaki (Japanese-Style Chicken Wings)

Appetizer Chicken Easy Popular Izakaya Party Food Kid-friendly

Let's dive into the world of Tebasaki, those irresistible Japanese chicken wings everyone's raving about! Tebasaki is all about achieving the perfect crispy texture and smothering those wings in a mouthwatering sauce. This flavor explosion originated in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and has gained a devoted following. People enjoy Tebasaki as a delectable appetizer or snack.

The name "Tebasaki" literally means "chicken wings" in Japanese, and these delectable treats have been delighting taste buds since the 1940s. It all started at a local Nagoya eatery called "Rikyu," and we're thankful it did. Since then, Tebasaki has taken flight (pun intended), spreading from Nagoya to Japanese restaurants around the world.

Now, let's explore how Tebasaki is made. It begins with chicken wings, of course, which are divided into drumettes and wingettes. After a touch of salt and pepper, they're coated in a mix of flour and starch (potato or cornstarch) for that extra crunch, followed by a deep-fry until they're golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The key is to keep the meat tender inside while giving the wings a satisfying crunch on the outside. (And by the way, we'll introduce alternative, less deep-fried Tebasaki recipes in this recipe!)

Then there's the sauce, the heart and soul of Tebasaki. You can craft your own sauce with ingredients like soy sauce, sake, sugar, garlic, and red pepper for a spicy kick. This sauce dances between sweet, savory, and spicy, making each bite a flavor-packed experience. Some places even offer different spice levels, catering to your personal preference. Garlic enthusiasts will relish the garlic-infused versions.

When it's time to savor Tebasaki, they pair perfectly with a bowl of rice and some pickled veggies or cold beers for those who enjoy it. It's a match made in food heaven.

In a nutshell, Tebasaki Japanese chicken wings are all about that ideal blend of crispy, saucy, sweet, and savory goodness. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or simply love finger food, Tebasaki is a must-try for anyone serious about delicious cuisine.

Overview

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Total servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 lbs Chicken Wings
2 Tbsp Cornstarch
¼ tsp Salt
Black Pepper to taste
10g Grated Garlic (for the sauce)
10g Grated Ginger (for the sauce)
75ml Soy Sauce (for the sauce)
1 Tbsp Mirin (for the sauce)
2 tsp White Sugar (for the sauce)
⅛ tsp Sesame Oil (for the sauce)

Expert's Tip

King Deluxe Sharpening Stone Medium Grit nº 1000

Maintain the sharpness of your knife with the King Deluxe Sharpening Stone Medium Grit No. 1000. Ensure your knife is properly sharpened using this high-quality sharpener to keep it both sharp and pristine.

Instructions

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1) Gathering the Ingredients and Recipe Preparations

Gather the ingredients together. Sharpen your knife with a knife sharpener before cutting the meat.

Separating the chicken tip from the chicken wing

chicken wings and chicken tips, separated

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2) Preparing the Chicken Wings

To prepare the chicken wings, use your fingers to locate the joints on the surface of the wing. Once you've found the joint, position your knife there and cut through to remove the wing tip. Similarly, use your fingers to sense the surface of the meat, locate the joint, place your knife there, and cut to separate the chicken wing drum.

Tip: Save the leftover chicken tips to make chicken broth!

Seasoning the chicken wings with salt and black pepper

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3) Seasoning the Chicken Wings

Season the chicken wings by adding salt and black pepper, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed. Then, incorporate the cornstarch into the mixture, and toss everything to combine.

Cooking the chicken wings, skin side down

Flipped over chicken wings, golden brown

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4) Pan-frying the Chicken Wings

In a medium-sized pan, pour in some oil and arrange the chicken wings with the skin-side down. Cook them over medium heat, covering the pan with a lid, for 5 minutes. Using tongs, flip the wings and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on. Then, reduce the heat to low and allow them to cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Tip: If you have access to an air fryer or an oven with an integrated air fryer function, that would be an excellent alternative. Simply follow the recommended temperature and cooking time guidelines for your machine.

Pouring soy sauce into a pan, along with the ginger and garlic

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5) Making the Sauce

Grate ginger and garlic using a grater.

Add the grated ginger and garlic into the large pan. Mix in soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, ensuring thorough blending. Over medium heat, simmer the sauce until bubbles start to form.

Tip: For added aroma, add in a splash of sesame oil.

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6) Coating the Chicken Wings in the Sauce

Gently toss the chicken wings, ensuring they absorb all the sauce.

Once you've turned off the heat, consider adding some sesame seeds and an extra dash of black pepper or red pepper for an added burst of flavor and a bit of extra kick.

7) Serving the Wings

Serve & enjoy! Watch how fast these wings will disappear!

About the author

Mana Sobral

Mana is a mother of two who is currently based in Toronto, Canada. While she has called Toronto her home for the past 7 years, she is originally from Wakayama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and gained practical experience working as a dietician in Japan. She is absolutely obsessed with sharing her love for Japanese cuisine. She loves the seasonality of vegetables in Japan and the creativity of plating dishes. She loves writing Japanese recipes and sharing them with people around the world. She prefers to keep her writing style simple and fun, so that everyone, including people who are not particularly keen on reading, can enjoy her articles. In her free time, she loves baking desserts and Japanese breads. She also enjoys participating in Muay Thai classes.

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