How Chicken Wings Became a Sake-Friendly Favorite
Chicken Wings Grilled and Seasoned to Perfection at Izakaya
Chicken wings are a beloved dish around the world, and in Japan, they’re a mainstay at Yakitori or Izakaya restaurants. There, they’re grilled over charcoal and seasoned simply—either with salt or a savory-sweet soy sauce-based BBQ sauce called tare, which tastes like teriyaki. The smoky flavor and satisfying crispness make them irresistible.
Why Chicken Wings Pair Well with Sake
These flavors—salted or sauced—pair beautifully with a range of sake. That’s one reason chicken wings are such a popular item at Izakaya, Japan’s lively and casual pubs that specialize in sake-friendly small dishes. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to different sake styles.
Pan-Fried for Flavor and Crispy
Pan-Fried Chicken Wings Inspired by Karaage
Instead of grilling, this homestyle version takes inspiration from karaage (Japanese fried chicken), particularly the kind known as Sanzoku-yaki in Nagano. But rather than deep-frying, the wings are pan-fried for a lighter, less oily finish while still maintaining that deliciously crispy texture.
Sweet Soy Sauce Glaze Seals the Flavor
Once the wings are cooked, they’re immediately tossed in a sweet soy sauce glaze while still hot. This ensures the sauce clings well to the crispy surface, locking in rich umami flavor. The result? Wings that are crispy, savory, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for pairing with sake.
Sake Pairing Tips for This Chicken Wings
Rich and Creamy with Nigori Sake
This dish pairs especially well with Nigori sake, known for its cloudy, milky appearance and rich rice flavor with natural sweetness. The sweetness and richness of Nigori enhance the glaze, deepening the savory notes and adding a luxurious mouthfeel to every bite.
A Refreshing Contrast with Dry Sake
If you prefer a crisper flavor experience, try a very dry sake instead. Its clean and sharp profile cuts through the richness of the sauce, creating a balanced contrast. Each sip refreshes the palate and highlights different dimensions of the dish.
Crispy Chicken Wings with Sweet Soy Sauce
Ingredients
Preparation
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Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the cooking sake, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Set aside.
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Coat the Chicken.
Lightly coat the chicken wings with potato starch. This helps the sauce cling better to the surface, giving each bite more flavor.
Cooking
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Cook the Chicken
Add sesame oil to a cold frying pan. Place the chicken wings skin-side down in the pan, then cover with a lid. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown. Flip the wings and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until browned.
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Coating with the sauce
Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil from the frying pan. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Let it simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the wings.
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Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve hot!
Just like typical chicken wings, it's perfectly fine to eat this dish with your hands. Just be sure to have some hand wipes or a wet towel ready when you do.
