We’ve always been huge fans of Leeann Chin’s Oyster Wings, a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine that delivers a perfect mix of crispy texture and savory oyster sauce. These wings originated from the iconic Leeann Chin restaurant chain, bringing bold flavors straight from the heart of Asian-inspired cooking.
In our kitchen, we’re excited to recreate this crowd-pleaser, making it easy for you to whip up at home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a quick treat, this recipe promises that authentic taste we all love.
Ingredients
To bring the crispy texture and savory flavor of our beloved Leeann Chin Oyster Wings to your kitchen, we gather these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, from preparation to cooking, ensuring accuracy for an authentic homemade experience.
Main Protein
- 2 pounds chicken wings: We recommend fresh wings, separated into drumettes and flats for even crisping and easier handling.
Marinade Components
- 1/2 cup oyster sauce: This forms the heart of the dish’s umami depth—opt for a high-quality brand to capture that signature Leeann Chin taste.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Low-sodium variety works best to balance flavors without overwhelming the oyster notes.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced for a pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the wings.
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Provides a zesty, warming element—grate it just before use to preserve its vibrant flavor.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a bold, peppery kick that enhances the overall savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional for a hint of heat, adjustable based on your preference for spice.
Cooking Essentials
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Used for coating to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.
- Vegetable oil: About 2 cups for frying—ensure it’s neutral-tasting and heated to the right temperature for golden results.
This selection ensures our Leeann Chin Oyster Wings recipe delivers the authentic, mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors you crave.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Leeann Chin Oyster Wings with precision and ease, we gather the essential equipment that ensures a seamless cooking process. Building on our ingredients list, where we detailed the fresh chicken wings and flavorful marinade, this section outlines the tools we’ll use to achieve that signature crispy texture and savory flavor.
We recommend the following equipment, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for marinating the 2 pounds of chicken wings in the oyster sauce mixture, allowing even coating and flavor infusion.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and garlic, ensuring our marinade hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Necessary for trimming and preparing the chicken wings, helping us handle the fresh poultry safely and efficiently.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for blending the marinade components, such as ginger and black pepper, to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
- Deep Frying Pan or Dutch Oven: Essential for frying the flour-coated wings in vegetable oil, delivering the golden, crispy exterior that defines authentic Leeann Chin Oyster Wings.
- Tongs: Key for safely flipping and removing the wings from hot oil, preventing burns while maintaining that ideal texture.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Vital for monitoring oil temperature (aim for 350-375°F), guaranteeing even cooking and avoiding greasy results.
- Wire Rack and Baking Sheet: Used for draining excess oil post-frying, ensuring the wings stay crisp and not soggy, enhancing the overall mouthwatering experience.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move forward confidently in our recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing authentic Leeann Chin Oyster Wings with simple steps that deliver their signature crispy texture and savory flavor.
Prep
Before marinating, we start by preparing the chicken wings for optimal results. Begin with 2 pounds of fresh chicken wings; rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure even coating and frying. If the wings are whole, use a sharp knife to separate them into drumettes and flats for better marinade absorption. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and 1-inch piece of ginger finely to release their aromatic flavors that enhance the dish’s taste.
Marinate
Next, we create the flavorful marinade that infuses the wings with the iconic Leeann Chin Oyster Wings essence. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, the minced garlic and ginger, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and if desired, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to form a glossy mixture. Add the prepared chicken wings to the bowl, toss them thoroughly to coat each piece evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply and develop that mouthwatering savory profile.
Cook
With the wings marinated, we move to cooking them to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior and tender interior. First, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, using an instant-read thermometer for precision—maintaining this temperature ensures even frying and prevents sogginess. While the oil heats, dredge each marinated wing in 1 cup of all-purpose flour to create a light coating that crisps up beautifully. Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches using tongs, frying for 8-10 minutes until they turn a golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe juicy results. Remove the wings and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep them crisp.
Serve
Finally, we present the Leeann Chin Oyster Wings in a way that highlights their appealing textures and flavors. Arrange the freshly fried wings on a platter, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal, and serve immediately while hot and crunchy. Pair them with dipping sauces like extra oyster sauce or a simple soy-vinegar mix to complement the savory notes, making them perfect for gatherings or as a quick snack that captures the original dish’s authentic taste.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on Leeann Chin’s Oyster Wings, bringing that irresistible crunch and flavor right to your kitchen. It’s a simple way to impress at gatherings or spice up weeknights, letting you savor authentic tastes without leaving home.
Try it out and make it your own—we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your recipe lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Oyster Wings from Leeann Chin?
Oyster Wings are a popular Chinese-American dish from Leeann Chin, featuring crispy chicken wings marinated in a savory blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and spices. They offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them ideal for snacks or gatherings, and can be easily recreated at home for an authentic taste.
What ingredients are needed for the Oyster Wings recipe?
You’ll need 2 pounds of fresh chicken wings, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, optional red pepper flakes for marinade, all-purpose flour for coating, and vegetable oil for frying. These ingredients create a flavorful, crispy wing that’s true to the original.
What equipment is required to make Oyster Wings?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl for marinating, measuring cups and spoons, a chef’s knife and cutting board, a whisk or wooden spoon, a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, tongs, an instant-read thermometer, and a wire rack with baking sheet for draining. This setup ensures a smooth cooking process.
How do I prepare Oyster Wings step by step?
Start by rinsing and drying the wings, then marinate them in a mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and spices for at least 30 minutes. Dredge in flour, heat oil to 350°F, fry until golden and cooked through, then drain and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for serving.
How long does it take to make Oyster Wings?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, marinating at least 30 minutes, and frying 10-15 minutes per batch. Total time is roughly 1 hour, depending on batch size, making it quick for a homemade treat.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Oyster Wings recipe?
Yes, you can swap honey for maple syrup if needed, or use gluten-free flour for coating. Adjust red pepper flakes for spice level, but stick to oyster sauce for authentic flavor. Always test substitutions to maintain the dish’s signature taste.
What are some tips for the best Oyster Wings?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor, ensure oil is at 350°F to avoid sogginess, and drain on a wire rack after frying. Pair with dipping sauces like soy or ranch, and garnish with sesame seeds for extra appeal. Always use fresh ingredients for the crispiest results.