Grilled Lemongrass Snails

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) snails 500g (1.1 lb) snails
• 3 stalks lemongrass, finely minced 3 stalks lemongrass, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil), for garnish
• Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham), for serving Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham), for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the snails thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil to make the marinade.
3. 3.
   Add the cleaned snails to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Thread the marinated snails onto skewers, ensuring they are secure.
6. 6.
   Grill the snails for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Remove the snails from the skewers and garnish with fresh herbs.
8. 8.
   Serve the Grilled Lemongrass Snails with dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Make sure to remove the tough outer layers before mincing the lemongrass. Use only the tender inner parts for the best flavor.
• Snails — Clean the snails thoroughly by soaking them in water with a bit of salt and vinegar for about 30 minutes. Rinse them well before using.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find fresh snails, you can use canned snails as a substitute.
• Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
• Serve the Grilled Lemongrass Snails with a side of steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some lime juice over the grilled snails before serving.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the snails on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Lemongrass Snails as an appetizer or as part of a Vietnamese-inspired feast. Place the snails on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side for guests to enjoy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled snails on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for an attractive presentation. Sprinkle some additional chopped chili peppers and herbs on top for a pop of color. Serve with a side of steamed rice or rice noodles to complete the dish.