Chinese Salt and Pepper Wings
Chinese Salt and Pepper Wings are a beloved Cantonese-style appetizer or snack, typically made by marinating chicken wings in a mixture of salt, white pepper, and sometimes five-spice powder, then deep-frying them until golden and crispy. The wings are often tossed with a fragrant seasoning blend of salt, white pepper, garlic, and chili flakes, and garnished with scallions or cilantro. This dish is a staple in Chinese dim sum restaurants, street food stalls, and casual eateries across China and Southeast Asia.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These wings are high in protein and fat due to the chicken and frying process, with minimal carbohydrates unless a batter is used. A typical serving of 4-5 wings provides around 300-400 calories, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the chicken, though the exact nutritional profile depends on portion size and preparation method.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 6 pieces (180 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish showcases the Chinese culinary principle of balancing textures and flavors—the crispy exterior contrasts with tender meat, while the simple yet bold seasoning highlights the natural taste of the chicken. Nutritionally, it's a classic example of how frying can enhance palatability, but the use of white pepper also offers mild digestive benefits, a nod to traditional Chinese food therapy.
