Big Bold Headline: Flavorful Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings Recipe for Your Next BBQ
Elevate your barbecue game with these mouthwatering Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings! Bursting with tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, these wings are sure to be a hit at your next cookout or gathering. Marinated in a blend of garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and other aromatic ingredients, these wings are grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat with crispy skin. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious appetizer, these Vietnamese-inspired chicken wings are a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb / 1 kg chicken wings, cut into wingettes and drumettes
- Oil for grilling
Marinade:
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup lime juice (2 to 3 limes)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely chopped or pounded
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 bird’s eye chili, finely chopped
- Coriander leaves (cilantro)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and chopped lemongrass. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved and the marinade is thoroughly combined.
- Marinate the Chicken Wings: Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the wings from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken Wings: Remove the chicken wings from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have developed a nice char on the outside. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking.
- Optional Garnishes: If desired, sprinkle the grilled wings with finely chopped bird’s eye chili and fresh coriander leaves before serving for an extra kick of flavor and freshness.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled Vietnamese chicken wings to a serving platter and serve hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Using Lemongrass: Lemongrass adds a distinctive flavor to the marinade. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, you can use store-bought lemongrass paste or dried lemongrass powder as a substitute.
- Adjusting Spice Level: For a spicier kick, you can add more chopped bird’s eye chili to the marinade or garnish the wings with extra chili before serving. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chili altogether.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
- Adding Sesame Seeds: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the grilled wings before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I bake these wings instead of grilling them? Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of wings? Absolutely! This marinade works well with other cuts of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of the pieces.
- Can I make the marinade in advance? Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the marinade even more delicious.
- How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the grill? To prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are well-oiled before cooking. You can also brush the wings with a little oil before placing them on the grill.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
For a keto or low carb version of these Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings, you can replace the brown sugar in the marinade with a low carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, omit or reduce the amount of sweetener to suit your taste preferences.
These Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings are a delicious and flavorful addition to any barbecue or gathering. With their tender meat and bold marinade, they are sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up the grill, whip up a batch of these mouthwatering wings, and get ready to savor the taste of Vietnam right in your own backyard!
