Chef Zakary Pelaccio of Fatty Crab approaches each step in the grilling process as an opportunity to maximize aromatic herbs and spices. In Malaysia, he learned to transform a marinade into a basting liquid, then reduce it and serve it as a dipping sauce: The seasonings concentrate along the way and become more complex. “This isn’t a method you’ll find in cookbooks,” he says. “It’s a technique you’ll see in markets and on the streets.” Such layering guarantees a depth of flavor that’s impossible to achieve with any single step. Just be sure to begin 1 day ahead; the chicken needs to marinate overnight for the flavors to infuse. As for the crispy skin, cooking the wings slowly over medium-low coals and turning them often makes for the ideal results; the skin will brown while the meat cooks through. Just before serving, Pelaccio recommends adding a squeeze of lime juice; the high citrus note completes the finished dish.
Ingredients
4 Servings
1
3
3
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
3
Preparation
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Step 1
Combine coconut milk, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, jalapeños, ginger, lime juice, tamarind juice, fish sauce, kosher salt, turmeric, and 1 cup water in a blender. Purée mixture until a smooth marinade forms.
Step 2
Place chicken wings in a large baking dish. Pour marinade over; turn wings to coat evenly. Cover chicken and chill overnight.
Step 3
Remove chicken from marinade, shaking any excess marinade back into dish. Transfer chicken to a large platter. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Transfer marinade to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until marinade thickens, 10-15 minutes. Pour half of marinade into a small bowl; set aside for basting chicken while it grills. Keep remaining marinade in saucepan; cover and keep warm until ready to serve the chicken.
Step 5
Build a medium fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill chicken wings, turning every 5 minutes and basting occasionally with marinade in small bowl, until fat is rendered and skin is nicely charred in spots, 30-35 minutes. (The key here is to turn the wings often so the skin doesn’t burn.)
Step 6
Continue cooking chicken without basting (so it will get crisp) until wings are cooked through, about 10 minutes longer.
Step 7
Transfer chicken to a large platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze lime wedges over wings. Transfer marinade in saucepan to a small bowl. Serve warm marinade alongside chicken as a dipping sauce.
