A few weeks ago I featured this recipe for southeast Asian chicken wings. The results were so great with the 'threading your chicken wings on a skewer prior to grilling technique' that I determined to try it again with different marinades. Don't get me wrong, that marinade was great but I was overgrown with Thai basil and cilantro so I was searching for ways to use some up!
This recipe, from the folks at Food and Wine, was originally for shrimp. I decided to try it on chicken wings. It is my kind of recipe - dump everything in a food processor, give it a zap, and voila . . .a marinade is created.
The original recipe called for regular basil. We used the Thai basil and it was brilliant but if you didn't have a HUGE pot of overgrown Thai basil I suppose you could go with the easier to find regular kind.
Whatever kind of basil you use, I think you'll be impressed with the results!
Spicy Thai Basil and Cilantro Chicken Wings
1/4 c Thai basil leaves
1/4 c cilantro leaves
8 peeled garlic cloves
2 T sambal oelek (or other Asian chili sauce
2 T Asian fish sauce
1 t finely grated lemon zest
1 t finely grated lime zest
1/2 c vegetable oil
3 pounds whole chicken wings (12-14)
12-14 long bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry. Transfer the chicken wings into a 1-gallon storage/freezer bag.
In a blender or food processor, puree the marinade ingredients until fairly smooth.
Pour the Marinade over the chicken wings in the storage bag. Close the bag tightly and coat the chicken wings evenly with the marinade. Chill for at least 2-4 hours or overnight.
Remove any excess marinade on the chicken wings. Thread each chicken wing on a bamboo skewer, from the drumette to the wingtip to stretch out the wing.
Prepare the gas/charcoal grill for grilling. Wipe the grate with an oiled paper towel or cloth.
Grill the chicken wings with skin side down until golden brown, about 8-12 minutes, depending on the heat. Turn over and grill the other side, another 8-12 minutes or until desired tenderness.
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