Lemon Pepper Wet Wings
4 servings
INGREDIENTS
Wings
2 lbs party chicken wings
1.5 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp baking powder
Light Coating
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp potato starch
For Frying
Neutral oil (canola, peanut, or vegetable)
Lemon Pepper Wet Sauce
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, divided
Zest of 2 lemons
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp dry white wine
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Pinch cayenne
⅛ tsp MSG
Salt to taste
Finish
Coarse cracked black pepper
Flaky salt
Fresh chives, chopped
Light drizzle of olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Dry Brine
Pat wings dry and toss with kosher salt and baking powder.
Place on a rack and refrigerate uncovered for 12–24 hours.
2. Light Dusting
Toss wings lightly with cornstarch and potato starch just before frying.
The coating should be very thin.
3. First Fry (Cook Phase)
Heat oil to 325°F.
Fry wings for 8–9 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
Remove to a rack and rest for at least 15 minutes.
4. Second Fry (Crisp Phase)
Increase oil temperature to 375–385°F.
Fry wings for 2–4 minutes until deep golden and very crispy.
Rest 60–90 seconds before tossing.
5. Make the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium-low heat:
Melt butter with olive oil
Add black pepper and cayenne and cook for 30 seconds
Add half the garlic (minced) and cook until fragrant
Add white wine and reduce until nearly dry
Remove from heat and stir in:
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Rice vinegar
MSG
Remaining garlic (finely grated)
Season lightly with salt if needed.
6. Toss the Wings
Place wings in a large bowl.
Add sauce gradually and toss quickly to coat.
Do not oversauce. The wings should be glossy, not drenched.
7. Finish and Serve
Plate immediately and finish with:
Coarse cracked black pepper
Light pinch flaky salt
Fresh chives
Light drizzle of olive oil
Serve hot.
WINE PAIRING
A Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine is the ideal pairing.
High acidity cuts through the butter, while the bubbles refresh the palate between bites. The citrus notes in the wine mirror the lemon in the sauce, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.