Asian Zing Sauce Recipe (Great for Chicken Wings)

Name: Asian Zing Sauce Recipe (Great for Chicken Wings)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light/regular); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (toasted); 2 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ teaspoon ginger powder; ½ teaspoon chili flakes (or more); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¼ cup water

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This is a copycat recipe of Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce. This sweet and spicy blend of chili pepper, soy, and ginger is perfect for wings, but it's also great on various other dishes like chicken tenders, meatballs, shrimp, and vegetables or stir-fries. Now you can enjoy the famous Buffalo Wild Wings experience at home with this easy-to-make sauce recipe.

Image showing Asian zing sauce in a white bowl.

I absolutely adore this recipe. The balance of flavors is spot on; the best part is that it's ready in 5 minutes. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have it ready in no time.

I've used it to elevate everything from simple chicken and seafood dishes to roasted vegetables. It's so versatile great to have in any kitchen.

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Asian Zing Sauce Ingredients
Instructions (Step-By-Step)
Serving Suggestions
Storage Suggestions
Recipe Notes
More Easy Sauce Recipes
FAQs
Recipe
Comments

Asian Zing Sauce Ingredients

Here is more information on all the ingredients you need to make the best Asian zing sauce in the comfort of your home.

For measurements, please see the recipe card below.

Image showing ingredients for copycat Buffalo wild wings Asian zing sauce recipe.

Rice vinegar: If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, both of which have a mild taste that won't overpower the other flavors.
Soy sauce: In case of dietary restrictions, Tamari sauce or liquid aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Brown sugar: For a healthier option, coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used as substitutes for brown sugar.
Garlic: If fresh garlic or garlic powder is not available, you could use a pinch of garlic salt. Just remember to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
Ginger: Ground ginger can be substituted with equal amounts of Allspice or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Toasted sesame oil: If you don't have toasted sesame oil, you can use olive oil or canola oil, but please note the flavor will not be the same.
Chili flakes: If you want to tone down the heat, consider using a milder spice like paprika. For a hotter sauce, consider using a hotter variety of pepper flakes or even cayenne pepper.
Additions: Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime for extra tanginess, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. I

Instructions (Step-By-Step)

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, chili flakes, minced garlic, ginger powder, cornstarch, and water well until there are no lumps.

3 images showing mixing the Asian zing sauce ingredients, cooking the sauce, and serving in a bowl.

Pour the mixture into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil by constantly whisking over low and simmer flame until the sauce thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
Remove the sauce from the heat and allow to cool before storing.

Serving Suggestions

This robust Asian Zing Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used to elevate a wide variety of dishes.

Chicken Wings: Toss freshly fried or grilled chicken wings in the sauce to make Asian zing wings for a delightful appetizer or main course. Add a single layer of chicken to a baking sheet and add the delicious sauce. Cook until you have crispy chicken wings and serve with an optional bowl of sauce.
Stir-fried Vegetables: Drizzle the sauce over stir-fried vegetables on a baking sheet for an added burst of flavor. Combine it with favorites like broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, and baby corn.
Noodles: Mix the sauce into your favorite noodle dish for a super easy recipe. It pairs well with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti.
Rice Bowls: Pour it over your rice bowls to make them zingy and delicious. It pairs well with chicken, beef, or tofu rice bowls.
Grilled Shrimp or Fish: Use the sauce as a marinade for grilled shrimp or fish. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Dumplings: Use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls for that extra zing.

Remember, the possibilities are endless with this sauce!

Storage Suggestions

Once cooled, you can store this homemade Asian zing sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you want to use the sauce again, reheat it by putting it in a saucepan over low heat until it is nice and warm.

You can freeze the Asian Zing Sauce. Before doing so, ensure it has completely cooled. Then, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to leave some space at the top as the sauce will expand when frozen. This sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir well before serving.

Recipe Notes

Adjust the heat level to your liking by using more or fewer chili flakes.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or another sweetener.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a splash of water.
When making the sauce, ensure that the cornstarch is dissolved completely to avoid any lumps in the sauce. If the lumps persist, strain the mixture before simmering over medium heat.
If you find the sauce too spicy even after reducing the number of chili flakes, balance the heat by adding a bit more sugar.
For an added depth of flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
Always taste and adjust the seasonings before you finish cooking the sauce. This allows you to add more of any ingredient to suit your taste.
If you're using the sauce as a marinade, make sure to marinate your protein for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to seep in. However, if you have time, marinating overnight will yield even better results.
When reheating the sauce, do so over a low flame to avoid burning and stir continuously to maintain the texture.

More Easy Sauce Recipes

FAQs

How spicy is this sauce?

It is spicy. But the heat level can be altered to match your preference. You can add more or fewer chili flakes to make the sauce spicier or milder. The addition of brown sugar harmonizes well with all the flavors.

Is it gluten-free?

The Asian zing sauce recipe calls for soy sauce, which contains small amounts of wheat gluten. To accommodate those with gluten intolerance, consider using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I use this in a stir-fry?

Absolutely! The sauce is perfect for stir-frys. Just add it towards the end of cooking your choice of meats or vegetables for a burst of flavor.

Is Asian zing sauce similar to teriyaki sauce?

While they share some common ingredients, their flavor profiles are different. Teriyaki sauce is typically sweeter and less spicy than Asian zing sauce, which is known for its sweet and spicy kick.

How can I make my sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the quantity of cornstarch. Just remember to dissolve the cornstarch in a bit of cold water before adding to avoid lumps.

Can I make a large batch of this?

Yes, the recipe can easily be scaled up to make a larger batch. Just ensure to adjust the ingredients proportionately. The sauce keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen for later use.

Can I make Asian zing chicken wings in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! Toss air-fried chicken wings in the sauce just before serving for a zingy and delicious appetizer.

If you try the recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and rating. I love hearing from you and it also helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe.

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