Japanese Tare-Glazed Grilled Chicken Wings

Introduction

These Japanese tare-glazed grilled chicken wings are the ultimate balance of savory and sweet, featuring a rich umami glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the Arteflame grill. The high heat of the center grill grate gives the wings an unbeatable crispness before they are finished to perfection on the surrounding cooktop.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on 3 paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Tare Sauce

1. Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Wings

1. Place the chicken wings on the center grill grate and sear for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in juices.
2. Move the wings to the surrounding flat cooktop to finish cooking.
3. Grill the wings for about 15 minutes, turning every few minutes for even cooking.

Step 4: Glaze the Wings

1. Brush the wings with the tare sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
2. Let the sauce caramelize until slightly sticky and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the wings from the grill once they reach an internal temperature of 170°F.
2. Let them rest for a few minutes.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for enhanced flavor.
• Don’t apply the sauce too early to prevent burning.
• Remove the wings from the grill when 15°F below the target temp as they continue cooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Tare Wings: Add 1 tbsp gochujang or sriracha for a spicy kick.
2. Citrus-Infused Wings: Add 1 tbsp yuzu juice for a bright citrusy flavor.
3. Garlic Butter Wings: Melt additional garlic butter and drizzle over before serving.
4. Teriyaki-Style Wings: Substitute sugar with honey for a richer, stickier glaze.
5. Smoky Miso Wings: Mix in 1 tbsp miso paste for an additional umami depth.

Best Pairings

• Grilled shishito peppers with sea salt
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Japanese pickled cucumbers
• A light and crisp Japanese lager

Conclusion

These Japanese tare-glazed chicken wings are packed with umami-rich flavors and achieve the perfect balance of crispy, sticky, and juicy. Reverse searing on the Arteflame grill ensures they turn out just right every time. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, these wings are sure to become a favorite!