Grilled Nagoya-style Chicken (Nagoya-style Gà bản đến nướng)

Ingredients

In the original Vietnamese dish, Gà bản đến nướng, the chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, lemongrass, and garlic. However, in this Nagoya-style adaptation, the marinade is enhanced with miso, soy sauce, and ginger to infuse the chicken with the umami flavors that are characteristic of Nagoya cuisine. Additionally, the dish is traditionally served with a tangy and spicy miso sauce, which adds a unique twist to the flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Gà bản đến nướng, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (500g / 1.1 lb) 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (500g / 1.1 lb)
• 3 tablespoons miso paste (45g) 3 tablespoons miso paste (45g)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml) 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (15g) 1 tablespoon grated ginger (15g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon honey (15ml) 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon sake (15ml) 1 tablespoon sake (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (15ml) 1 tablespoon mirin (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15ml) 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 9g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine miso paste, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, vegetable oil, honey, sake, mirin, and sesame oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.
5. 5.
   Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and charred.
6. 6.
   While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavors.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
9. 9.
   Serve the grilled Nagoya-style chicken with a side of tangy and spicy miso sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Miso paste — Use a good quality miso paste, preferably red or white miso, for the best flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Ginger — Freshly grated ginger adds a vibrant and aromatic flavor. Ensure it is finely grated to avoid any fibrous texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
• To achieve a beautiful char on the chicken skin, brush it with a little oil before grilling.
• Serve the grilled chicken with a side of steamed rice and a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the grilled Nagoya-style chicken as the main course, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of tangy and spicy miso sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for an added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken thighs on a platter, ensuring the crispy and charred skin is visible. Drizzle the tangy and spicy miso sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with a side of steamed rice and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.