Step 1: Prepare the Wings
The first step in making San Tung chicken wings is to prepare the wings themselves. Start by cutting the chicken wings into three pieces - the drumette, the wingette, and the tip. You can discard the tips or save them for making chicken stock.
Next, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the water and stir until the batter is smooth. It should be thick enough to coat the wings, but not so thick that it's difficult to work with.
Dip each wing into the batter, making sure it's evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the wings on a wire rack to dry.
Step 2: Fry the Wings
Once the wings are coated in the batter, it's time to fry them. Heat a few inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer until it reaches 375°F.
Carefully place the wings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 8-10 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the wings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the wings are frying, it's time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch until it's smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Coat the Wings in Sauce
Once the wings are fried and the sauce is ready, it's time to bring everything together. Place the wings in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated in the sauce.