Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings

Experience the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with our Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings. These wings are marinated in a delectable blend of fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and other traditional ingredients, then grilled to perfection for a dish that is both crispy and juicy. Perfect for barbecues, parties, or a simple family dinner, these wings will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse culinary traditions. Chicken wings, while not originally a Vietnamese staple, have been embraced and transformed by the rich culinary culture of Vietnam. The use of fish sauce, lemongrass, and other local ingredients creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus. These wings are a testament to the adaptability and creativity of Vietnamese chefs.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• For the Chicken Wings:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

  For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Thai chili, finely chopped (optional)

  Instructions

   

   

  Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, grated ginger, lime juice, chili flakes (if using), and vegetable oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken wings to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

  Step 2: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. Combine Dipping Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped Thai chili (if using). Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside until ready to serve.

  2. Step 3: Grill the Chicken Wings

     1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and glowing.
     2. Grill the Wings: Remove the chicken wings from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the wings on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
     3. Baste with Marinade: During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the wings with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavor and achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze.

     Step 4: Serve the Wings

     1. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the grilled wings to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
     2. Add Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
     3. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Accompany the wings with the prepared dipping sauce, allowing guests to add an extra layer of flavor as desired.

     Tips and Variations

     • Baking Option: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
     • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes and Thai chili to your preferred spice level.
     • Additional Garnishes: Consider adding thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra garnish.

     Conclusion

      

      

     These Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, making them a standout dish for any occasion. The marinade, rich with traditional Vietnamese flavors, ensures that each bite is bursting with taste. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, these wings are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.