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Chicken Inasal is a popular Filipino dish known for its flavorful marinade and smoky grilled taste. Making it at home can be simple if you follow the right steps. This article provides a step-by-step guide to preparing the marinade and grilling your Chicken Inasal to perfection.
Ingredients for the Chicken Inasal Marinade
- 1 kilogram chicken, preferably thighs or drumsticks
- 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably cane or coconut vinegar)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 thumb-sized ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Preparing the Marinade
Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely. This marinade gives the chicken its distinctive tangy and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Preparing for Grilling
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. For authentic flavor, you can also baste the chicken with some marinade during grilling.
Grilling Tips
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on the grill, skin side down first.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Use tongs to turn the chicken, avoiding piercing the meat to retain juices.
- Optional: Baste with additional marinade during the last few minutes for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Inasal hot, accompanied by steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a side of atchara. For an authentic experience, brush the chicken with a little more calamansi juice before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Filipino-style Chicken Inasal, perfect for family gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner!