Grilled Lemongrass Chicken with Vietnamese Nuoc Cham

Method8 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Pound the garlic (4 cloves) and black peppercorns (½ tsp) in a mortar and pestle until fine.

   Uses 4 cloves garlic · ½ tsp black peppercorns

2. 2

   Step 2: Add the lemongrass (1 stalk) and pound into a rough paste.

   Uses 1 stalk lemongrass · garlic and black pepper ground fine

3. 3

   Step 3: Add the marinade oil (2 Tbsp), fish sauce (1 Tbsp), soy sauce (1 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp) and water (2 Tbsp) to the lemongrass paste and stir until the sugar dissolves. Mix with the chicken (1 lb), cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours, stirring halfway if possible. Choose either grilling in steps 4–5 or broiling in steps 6–7.

   Minimum chicken marination · 120 minUses 2 Tbsp neutral oil · 1 Tbsp fish sauce · 1 Tbsp soy sauce · 1 Tbsp sugar · 2 Tbsp water · 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) · rough lemongrass garlic pepper paste

4. 4

   Step 4: If grilling, preheat the grill on high heat. Otherwise skip to step 6 for broiling.

5. 5

   Step 5: For grilling, grease the grates and add the marinated chicken presentation-side down. Close the lid and cook 1–2 minutes until grillmarked, rotate 90 degrees and cook another 1–2 minutes. Flip and continue grilling until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a spatula to release any sticking meat. Then skip to step 8.

   Uses oil for greasing grill grates, if grilling · chicken marinated refrigerated at least two hours, for grilling branch

6. 6

   Step 6: For broiling instead of grilling, set the rack 3–4 inches below the element and preheat the broiler on high for 5 minutes. Line a tray with foil, and place the marinated chicken presentation-side up.

   Preheat broiler · 5 minUses chicken marinated refrigerated at least two hours, for broiling branch

7. 7

   Step 7: Broil for 7–10 minutes, until browned with a little charring and the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep the presentation side up rather than flipping; continue as needed to cook through.

   Broil lemongrass chicken · 10 minUses marinated chicken presentation-side up on foil-lined tray

8. 8

   Step 8: For the dipping sauce, pound the small garlic (1 clove) clove and Thai chilli into a rough paste. Add 1½ tbsp sugar and grind to break up the chilli further. Mix in ¼ cup water, 2 tbsp lime juice and 1½ tbsp fish sauce until the sugar dissolves. Serve the chicken with this sauce and cooked jasmine rice or rice vermicelli.

   Uses Jasmine rice or rice vermicelli (for serving) · 1 clove garlic · 1 Thai chili (or to taste) · 1.5 tbsp sugar · 1/4 cup water · 2 Tbsp lime juice · 1.5 tbsp fish sauce · chicken cooked through using either grilling steps 4–5 or broiling steps 6–7