Crispy Black Garlic Miso Butter Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To ensure the best texture, serve these wings immediately after tossing them in the sauce. The potato starch crust is designed to be eaten hot, and the longer the wings sit in the sauce, the more the moisture from the butter will begin to soften the crisp exterior. If you must wait, keep them in a warm oven at low temperature.

For a more balanced flavor, taste your miso paste before adding it to the butter. Some brands are significantly saltier than others, and you may find that you need to adjust the amount of honey to counteract the saltiness.

Always start with the recommended amount and adjust based on your personal preference for the final sweetness level of the glaze.

Variations

• Spicy Miso Wings: Add one teaspoon of chili oil or a dash of shichimi to the miso butter mixture to introduce a subtle heat that complements the deep, earthy sweetness of the black garlic.
• Citrus Infused Wings: Incorporate a teaspoon of freshly grated yuzu or lemon zest into the miso butter to add a bright, aromatic citrus note that cuts through the richness of the butter.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to help restore some of the crispness to the crust.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they will lose their signature crunch over time, the flavors in the black garlic miso butter will continue to deepen, making them a delicious snack even when cold or reheated. Keep the garnish separate if possible to maintain the best texture during storage.

You can prepare the black garlic miso butter up to 24 hours in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Bring the butter to room temperature before you begin frying the wings so that it melts easily in the skillet.

The chicken can be cleaned and patted dry ahead of time, but wait to coat it with the potato starch until right before frying.

Serving ideas

Present these wings on a large, dark-colored platter to contrast with the golden sesame seeds and the vibrant micro shiso leaves. This presentation emphasizes the izakaya-style aesthetic and makes for a stunning centerpiece.

Serve them with small plates and napkins, as these wings are best enjoyed by hand and can be quite sticky due to the rich miso butter glaze.

These wings pair exceptionally well with crisp, refreshing vegetable sides like pickled cucumber or a simple shredded cabbage slaw. The acidity of these sides cuts through the richness of the miso butter, providing a balanced dining experience.

Consider serving them alongside a cold beverage to complement the savory, umami-forward profile of the dish and cleanse the palate between bites.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Black Garlic Miso Butter Wings

Prep 15 minCook 20 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wings
• 1/2 cup potato starch
• 8 cloves fermented black garlic
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter
• toasted white sesame seeds, for serving
• micro shiso, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the fermented black garlic, white miso paste, mirin, honey, and softened unsalted butter. Mash the mixture thoroughly with a fork until it forms a smooth, cohesive paste. Set the butter mixture aside at room temperature while you prepare the chicken wings for frying to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.
2. Coat the chicken wings evenly in the potato starch, shaking off any excess. Heat oil in a deep frying pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings in batches for 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are shatteringly crisp. Remove the wings from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels.
3. Place a skillet over medium-low heat and melt the prepared black garlic miso butter until it reaches 280°F (138°C). Add the fried wings to the skillet and toss them vigorously until every piece is thoroughly coated in the glossy, dark sauce. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish immediately with toasted white sesame seeds and fresh micro shiso leaves.

Contains: gluten, soy, milk, sesame, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

29 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

3.5 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.