Caramelized Chicken Wings

Name: Caramelized Chicken Wings Vietnamese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 tbsp cooking oil; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium shallot, chopped; 2 lbs chicken wings; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 cup water; 1/2 tsp MSG (optional); 2 thai chili peppers (optional); 2 stalks green onions, chopped

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Caramelized chicken wings are a classic Vietnamese dish where chicken is simmered in a glossy, umami-rich sauce of fish sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and shallots until deeply caramelized. The result is tender, savory-sweet meat with a concentrated, addictive sauce.

🌍Vietnamese 🏷️Chicken wings 🏷️Caramelized chicken 🏷️Savory 🏷️Sweet Fish sauce

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Total

40 min

Servings

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

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2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp granulated sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium shallot, chopped
2 lbs chicken wings
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 cup water
1/2 tsp MSG (optional)optional
2 thai chili peppers (optional)optional
2 stalks green onions, chopped

14 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a wok or large pan over medium-high heat, add cooking oil and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and caramelizes into a dark brown color.
2
Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the pan and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3
Add the chicken wings to the pan and stir to coat them in the caramel and aromatics.
4
Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. If using, add the MSG.
5
Pour in the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Stir everything to combine.
6
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes.
7
Uncover, stir the wings, and continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes.
8
Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking.
9
Add the whole Thai chili peppers for a bit of heat, if desired.
10
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Caramelize the sugar in oil first until golden and fragrant—this builds the base for deep flavor; don't skip this step or burn it.
Cook wings uncovered over medium heat so the sauce reduces and concentrates; stir occasionally to coat evenly and prevent sticking.
The dish is done when the sauce thickens into a glaze and liquid reduces by at least half; overcooked wings dry out, so watch timing closely.
Fresh garlic and shallot aromatics matter—mincing them finely ensures they dissolve into the sauce and flavor the wings evenly.

Substitutions

Fish sauce → soy sauce (1:1, less pungent but saltier)
Oyster sauce → hoisin sauce (1:1, adds slight sweetness)
Granulated sugar → brown sugar (use same amount, slightly deeper caramel)
Cooking oil → sesame oil (use half the amount for richness)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water to restore the glaze.