Step 1

Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2

Grate ginger, measure 1 tsp of grated ginger, and save all the ginger juice for later use.

Step 3

Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and crush 2 garlic cloves with a garlic press (or mince the garlic). Add 1 tsp grated ginger and ¼ cup sake.

Step 4

Add ⅛ tsp kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5

Rub the chicken wings well with your hands until they’re completely coated in the mix.

Step 6

Heat the Dutch oven (I use this 4.5 Le Creuset) over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 1 Tbsp sesame oil and distribute evenly. Add the chicken wings in a single layer, trying not to overwrap. If you cook more than 2 lbs chicken wings, you will definitely need to cook in batches.

Step 7

Some parts of chicken wings may get overlapped, but that’s okay. Cover and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.

Step 8

After 4-5 minutes have passed, open the lid and flip the chicken wings. Now, if you are using a pot that is NOT oven-safe, then you want to brown the chicken wings nicely at this stage. Don’t turn the wings often and let the wings get nice brown char. You may need to increase the heat slightly, depending on the pot you’re using.

Step 9

Cover again and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Then uncover and check if the wings need to brown more.

Step 10

Add 2 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, ¼ cup sake, ¼ cup mirin, and ¼ cup soy sauce.

Step 11

Lastly add all the ginger juice (roughly 1 tsp) and make sure all the wings are coated in the sauce very well.

Step 12

Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the sauce is reduced and most of the chicken wings are exposed from the sauce. When you’re about to finish simmering, preheat the broiler for 5 minutes.

Step 13

Place the Dutch oven in the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes. Stay in front of the oven to make sure you don’t burn the chicken wings. My rack is in the middle and heat element is not too close to the chicken wings. Broiling time varies depending on how far your wings are from the heat element.

Step 14

Thinly slice the green onion (green part only) diagonally, and sprinkle over the wings, along with the sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Step 15

You can keep in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for a month.