Yamachan Chicken Wings, or Nagoya-style Tebasaki, are a beloved dish from central Japan. These wings are deep-fried to a perfect crisp and coated with a savory sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame seeds, then sprinkled generously with white pepper. Originating from Nagoya, these wings have become so popular that they’re now known worldwide. Inspired by the famous Yamachan chain, this recipe brings the irresistible flavors of Nagoya right to your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the chicken wings:

• 8 chicken wings

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Cooking oil (for shallow frying)

• Ground white pepper (for sprinkling)

For the sauce:

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce (koikuchi shoyu)

• 1 tbsp mirin

• 1 tbsp sake

• ½ tbsp honey

• ½ tbsp toasted white sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, add soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, sesame seeds, and grated garlic. Mix thoroughly, then bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer until reduced by half. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Fry the chicken wings: Heat cooking oil in a pan to 160°C (320°F). Season the chicken wings with salt and black pepper, then coat with a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Fry the wings for 3 minutes on each side at medium-low heat.

3. Increase the heat: Raise the oil temperature to 190°C (374°F) and fry the wings for 1 more minute on each side.

4. Rest the wings: Transfer the fried wings to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

5. Coat with sauce: Using a pastry brush, apply the prepared sauce generously to the wings.

6. Sprinkle white pepper: Dust the wings with a generous amount of white pepper on both sides.

7. Serve and enjoy: Serve your Yamachan-style chicken wings hot and crispy!

Nutrients (Per Wing)

• Calories: 175

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 9g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 37mg

• Sodium: 252mg

• Potassium: 90mg

• Sugar: 2g

The Perfect Crunch with a Savory Sauce

What sets Yamachan Chicken Wings apart from regular fried wings is their perfect, crispy texture. The wings are deep-fried twice, first at a lower temperature to cook them through and then at a higher temperature for a crispy finish. This double-frying technique gives the wings a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. The wings are then generously coated with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, and sesame seeds. The sauce infuses the wings with a rich umami flavor and a touch of sweetness, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Finally, the wings are dusted with white pepper, which adds a subtle kick that perfectly complements the flavors.

A Unique Blend of Japanese Ingredients

The sauce used in Yamachan Chicken Wings is an essential component that contributes to the dish’s distinctive taste. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and honey creates a flavor profile that is both sweet and salty, with a touch of richness from the sesame seeds. The grated garlic adds a burst of aromatic depth, balancing the sweetness of the mirin and honey with its sharpness. The sesame seeds, toasted to perfection, contribute a mild nuttiness and a slight crunch, elevating the overall texture of the wings. These ingredients are staples in Japanese cuisine, and when combined, they give the wings a truly authentic taste that captures the essence of Nagoya.

An Easy-to-Follow Recipe for Everyone

Making Yamachan Chicken Wings at home is surprisingly straightforward. The recipe involves just a few key steps: preparing the sauce, frying the wings, and coating them with the flavorful sauce. While the double-frying technique might seem complicated, it’s relatively easy to execute with the right temperature control. By first frying the wings at a lower temperature to cook them through, you ensure that the meat is tender and fully cooked. Then, increasing the heat for the second fry gives the wings their signature crispy exterior. The sauce is quick to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of simmering, and the final touch of white pepper adds the perfect amount of spice. In less than an hour, you can have a plate of these irresistible wings ready to serve.

The Secret to the Crispy Texture

The double-frying method is what makes these wings so uniquely crispy. The first fry, at a lower temperature (around 160°C or 320°F), allows the wings to cook through without burning the exterior. This initial frying step is essential for ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender. The second fry, at a higher temperature (around 190°C or 374°F), gives the wings their crispy finish. By frying the wings twice, you’re able to achieve a crunchiness that holds up well, even after they are coated in the flavorful sauce. This technique is crucial for recreating the perfect texture that makes Yamachan Chicken Wings so popular.

The Addition of White Pepper: A Key Flavor Element

One of the defining characteristics of Yamachan Chicken Wings is the generous dusting of white pepper that is sprinkled on top after frying. While black pepper is commonly used in many dishes, white pepper is often preferred in Asian cuisine due to its milder, more subtle heat. White pepper enhances the flavor of the wings without overpowering the other seasonings. It adds a gentle kick that complements the sweet and savory sauce, making the wings even more delicious. The white pepper is an essential finishing touch that gives these wings their distinctive taste.

Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion

Yamachan Chicken Wings are perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual dinner with friends, a family gathering, or a party, these wings are sure to be a hit. They’re also great for serving as a snack or appetizer at a get-together, where guests can enjoy the crispy wings while chatting and socializing. The dish is versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a refreshing salad. The savory sauce and crispy texture make these wings a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal.

A Global Phenomenon

While Nagoya is the birthplace of Yamachan Chicken Wings, the dish has become a global sensation over the years. With the rise of Japanese cuisine around the world, many people have discovered the deliciousness of Tebasaki wings and sought out recipes to recreate them at home. The popularity of this dish has also inspired restaurants and food chains outside of Japan to offer their own versions of the wings, bringing the flavors of Nagoya to different corners of the world. Whether you’ve tasted them at a restaurant or are making them yourself for the first time, Yamachan Chicken Wings offer a unique and flavorful experience that showcases the richness of Japanese cooking.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each Yamachan Chicken Wing is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a satisfying treat. While they’re deep-fried, the recipe is designed to keep the wings crispy and light, without being overly greasy. With 175 calories per wing, these chicken wings provide a good amount of protein (9g per wing) while keeping the fat content relatively moderate (13g per wing). The sauce adds a slight sweetness and a touch of sugar (2g per wing), but the overall nutritional profile makes these wings a flavorful yet balanced choice for any meal. The white pepper seasoning adds an extra burst of flavor without adding significant calories or fat, making these wings a guilt-free indulgence.

Conclusion

Yamachan Chicken Wings, or Nagoya-style Tebasaki, are a flavorful and crispy treat that brings the bold, savory tastes of Japan into your kitchen. With their perfectly fried exterior, rich and aromatic sauce, and subtle kick from the white pepper, these wings are a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone can enjoy. The recipe is easy to follow, and the double-frying technique ensures a crispy texture that holds up well, even after being coated in the savory sauce. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a larger meal, these wings are sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.