Hey Smokers and welcome to my post where we will run through my Traeger Asian style smoked chicken wings recipe and cooking guide. As you may or may not know, this site is all about cooking on my Traeger Pro 22 Pellet Smoker and seeing where we can take things. And today, we are going Asian style!
Now, I know this page is all about BBQ which tends to be based on the American style. However, I recently had some Asian style wings at a restaurant which were honestly really great. So, why not see if the same flavors will work in the pellet smoker…
Check out my post: Traeger Spicy Sticky Chicken Wings
Traeger Asian Style Smoked Chicken Wings: What You’ll Need
Ok, so below is what I used to smoke me some Asian chicken wings on my Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Smoker:
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
I added a little bit of Jimmy’s Sate Sauce as well – simple because as an Asian style sauce, the flavor is unbeatable.
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
You can also throw some sesame seeds onto the wings as you glaze if you like as well.
Equipment:
- Pellet smoker
- Preferred pellets (Apple or Cherry are a good choice here)
- Meat thermometer (for smoker temp only)
- Spray bottle with 1/3 apple cider vinegar and 2/3 water if you like to spritz – (Unless you are using the marinade)
The Smoking Process
This is what I did and when:
Prepare the Wings
- Prepare the Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, chili paste (if using), and Chinese five-spice powder.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Smoker:
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F/107°C. Use fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry for a mild, sweet smoke.
- Remove the wings from the marinade and place them on a wire rack to drain excess liquid. Discard the used marinade (or keep to baste in if you like as well – which is what I did).
Smoke the Wings
- Initial Smoke:
- Arrange the wings directly on the smoker grates or on a smoker-safe rack.
- Smoke for 1.5 hours at 225°F/107°C, flipping halfway through for even exposure to the smoke.
Glaze Preparation
- While the wings are smoking, prepare the glaze.
- Combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker glaze, and simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Once the wings are finished smoking, brush the glaze over them using a basting brush.
Crisp the Wings
- If you want crispy wings.
- Increase the smoker temperature to 375°F/190°C.
- Smoke the wings for an additional 20–30 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
Note: If you like to cook to temp, then look for a finish measurement of around 175°F/80°C
Serve
- Arrange the wings on a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
- Serve with a side of Asian-style dipping sauce or a creamy sesame mayo for an extra kick.
Tips for Tips for Perfect Asian Smoked Wings
- For extra-crispy skin, ensure the wings are completely dry before marinating.
- Add a water pan to the smoker to keep the wings moist during the initial smoke.
- Experiment with additional spices or chili flakes for more heat if desired.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my recipe and cooking guide for some smoked Asian chicken wings on a Traeger pellet smoker. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below. I would also love to hear of your own experience with these.
Are there any other products you have been looking at but want to know more about? If so, please comment below and I will do my best to get some details for you.
Until next time
Have fun and get smoking!
Paul
How I Turned My Smoking Passion Into A Full Time Income
Hey there! I’m Paul, and like you, I started as a BBQ beginner with just a Traeger and a dream. Now I’m helping others turn their smoking passion into a sustainable online business.
