Saigon Garlic Lemongrass Wings

 

12 whole chicken wings (2 1⁄2 to 3 pounds)

4 cloves garlic, peeled

1/4 C. chopped shallots

1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed and sliced, or 2 strips lemon zest (each 2 by 1⁄2 inches), removed with a vegetable peeler

2 T. sugar

1/3 C. Asian fish sauce

3 T. fresh lemon juice

3 T. vegetable oil

1/4 C. finely chopped dry-roasted peanuts, for garnish

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro (optional), for garnish

Rinse the chicken wings under cold running water, then drain and blot dry with paper towels. Make two or three deep slashes, to the bone, in the meaty part of each wing. Set the wings aside while you prepare the marinade. Combine the garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, and sugar in a mortar and pound to a paste with a pestle, then work in the fish sauce, lemon juice, and 1 T. of the oil. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, combine all these ingredients in a blender or food processor and process to a smooth puree. Scrape the marinade into a large bowl, add the chicken wings, and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover the wings and let marinate, in the refrigerator, for at least 4 hours, but preferably 24, turning the wings occasionally. Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to medium-high. When ready to cook, drain the chicken wings, reserving the marinade, then thread each wing on a skewer, running the skewer through all three sections of the wing to hold it open as widely as possible. Brush the wings on both sides with the remaining 2 T. of oil. Brush and oil the grill grate, then arrange the chicken wings on the hot grate with the aluminum foil shield under the ends of the skewers. Grill the wings, turning them several times with tongs, until the thicker wing sections are no longer pink near the bone, 12 to 16 minutes in all. Reduce the heat if the wings start to burn. Brush the wings once or twice with the reserved marinade, but do not brush them during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Transfer the grilled wings to a serving platter, sprinkle the peanuts and cilantro (if using) over them, and serve.