Chicken with Lemongrass Recipe

Gai Yang Recipe

(Thai Recipe)

Ingredients:  Serves 4-6

8 chicken legs or thighs

 

For the marinade:

10 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped

3 stalks lemongrass, white part only, peeled and coarsely chopped

2 scallions (green onions), finely chopped

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons fresh calamansi juice

2 tablespoons dry white wine

½ cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) coconut milk

1 tablespoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Method:

To make marinade:  In a mortar, combine garlic and lemongrass and pound to a coarse paste with a pestle.  Or, thinly slice, then chop together to a coarse paste with a cleaver or chef's knife.  Stir in all remaining marinade ingredients.  Arrange chicken legs in one layer in a shallow dish.  Pour over the marinade, and gently shake chicken to coat.  Let stand at room temperature for 2 hours, or cover and refrigerate overnight, turning pieces several times.  If refrigerated, let chicken stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.  Light a fire in a charcoal grill.  Wipe marinade from chicken and grill, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides and juices run clear when chicken is pierced, 20-30 minutes.  Alternatively, cook chicken pieces under a broiler (grill).  Lay chicken about 10 inches (25 cm) from the flame and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides and juices run clear when chicken is pierced, 20-30 minutes.

 

Note:  Traditionally, this dish is made with whole spatchcock chickens that have been butterflied, by splitting down the backbone and flattening.  Broil (grill), skin-side down, for 10-15 minutes, then turn and broil, skin-side up, for 10 minutes.  After cooking, cut chicken with a cleaver, through the bones, into smaller pieces.  You may also use chicken halves.

 

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