Lemongrass Chicken Wings

Name: Lemongrass Chicken Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 10 Chicken Wings (cut into wingettes & drumettes); 1 Stalk of Lemongrass (trimmed and chopped); 4 clove Garlic (finely chopped); 2 Shallot (chopped); 1 Red Thai Chilli; 2 tbsp Fish Sauce; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Sugar; 3 tbsp Oil (for brushing); 1 medium-sized Red Capsicum (deseeded & sliced); 1 tsp Sesame Seeds for sprinkling; 2 tbsp granulated Sugar; 5 tbsp Water; 3 tbsp Fish Sauce; 2 tbsp Lime Juice; 1 Red Thai Bird Chilli (finely chopped); 1 Garlic (finely chopped/crushed)

Lemongrass Chicken Wings offer a medley of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy flavours—perfect for family gatherings or get-togethers.

They represent Vietnamese cuisine served piping hot from the grill alongside a zesty dipping sauce.

The marinade, with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar, elevates their taste and ensures tender juiciness.

Whether organizing a lively backyard barbeque or aiming for a cozy family dinner, these wings steal the spotlight, satisfying every palate with their appeal.

Chicken Wings (cut into wingettes & drumettes)

Stalk of Lemongrass (trimmed and chopped)

Garlic (finely chopped)

medium-sized Red Capsicum (deseeded & sliced)

Sesame Seeds for sprinkling

Red Thai Bird Chilli (finely chopped)

Garlic (finely chopped/crushed)

Calories

51.3kcal (2.56%)

Step 1

Prepare the chicken wings by cutting them at the joint, separating mini wings and drumettes, and discarding the tips. Pat them dry, make slits, and place them in a large bowl.

Step 2

Trim the lemongrass, removing the root end and tough upper green part, leaving the white and light green part. Chop the lemongrass into manageable pieces.

Step 3

Use a food chopper to finely chop the lemongrass, shallots, garlic, and red Thai chilli together.

Step 4

Marinate the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl with the chopped ingredients, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavours to meld.

Step 5

Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Place the marinated chicken wings on the grill pan, cooking for about 8-10 minutes per side until they're cooked through and develop a nice char. Brush the wings with oil occasionally while cooking.

Step 7

While grilling, add the sliced red capsicum to the grill pan, cooking until slightly charred and tender. Set aside.

Step 8

Once the chicken wings are done, transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the wings and garnish with grilled red capsicum slices.

Step 9

Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce.

Step 1

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix the cooled sugar syrup with fish sauce, lime juice, finely chopped Thai chillies, and crushed garlic. Stir until well combined.

Step 3

Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl to accompany the Lemongrass Chicken Wings.

Calories

51.3kcal (2.56%)

Feel free to use light soy sauce as a substitute for the fish sauce in the recipe.

Make sure the grill is properly heated before you place the chicken wings for a delightful sear and char.

Coating the wings with oil while grilling has a dual benefit: it prevents sticking and seals in moisture, giving them a glossy finish.

Feel free to omit the lime juice and substitute it with vinegar. While the lime juice contributes a pleasant citrusy taste, it doesn't offer the same level of tanginess as vinegar.

You can store any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it handy for other recipe uses.

Modify the amount of Thai chilli based on your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the chilli before chopping.

This recipe can serve 4 to 5 people, varying based on whether it's the main dish or a side.

How do I properly marinate Lemongrass Chicken Wings for the best flavor?

To achieve the best flavor in your Lemongrass Chicken Wings, marinate them in a mixture of chopped lemongrass, garlic, shallots, red Thai chili, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. It's recommended to refrigerate the wings for at least 1-2 hours, but for optimal flavor, marinate them overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring tender and juicy wings.

What are some suitable substitutions for fish sauce in Lemongrass Chicken Wings?

If you're looking for a substitute for fish sauce in your Lemongrass Chicken Wings, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice for a similar salty and tangy flavor. Alternatively, coconut aminos or a homemade mixture of soy sauce and vinegar can also work well, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

How can I store leftover Lemongrass Chicken Wings?

To store leftover Lemongrass Chicken Wings, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

What side dishes pair well with Lemongrass Chicken Wings?

Lemongrass Chicken Wings pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh Asian slaw, jasmine rice, or a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors. Additionally, a dipping sauce made from lime juice, sugar, and chili complements the wings perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Can I cook Lemongrass Chicken Wings in the oven instead of on a grill?

Yes, you can definitely cook Lemongrass Chicken Wings in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and crispy. This method is great for those who may not have access to a grill.