Inasal Recipes: Unleashing the Flavors of Filipino Grilled Chicken

Inasal is a mouthwatering Filipino dish that originated in the province of Bacolod, known as the Chicken Inasal Capital of the Philippines. This flavorful dish features marinated and grilled chicken, infused with a unique combination of tangy and savory flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of Inasal and provide you with delicious recipes to recreate this Filipino grilled chicken delight in your own kitchen.

 

 

 

Chicken inasal recipes

I. The Allure of Inasal:

 

1. A Filipino Delicacy: Inasal is a beloved dish in the Philippines, celebrated for its succulent grilled chicken and its distinctive marinade.

 

2. Vibrant Flavors: The marinade used in Inasal combines the tanginess of calamansi or lime juice, the umami of soy sauce, and the aromatic blend of garlic, lemongrass, and annatto, creating a burst of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

 

II. Key Ingredients for Inasal:

 

1. Chicken: Inasal traditionally uses chicken leg quarters or whole chicken pieces, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender during the grilling process.

 

2. Marinade: The marinade for Inasal consists of a combination of calamansi or lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, and annatto oil. This blend of ingredients infuses the chicken with its signature flavors.

 

3. Basting Sauce: The basting sauce adds extra flavor and moisture to the grilled chicken. It is made by combining the marinade with butter or oil and basting the chicken while it cooks.

 

III. Classic Chicken Inasal Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

• 4 chicken leg quarters
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• 1/2 cup calamansi or lime juice
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• 1/4 cup soy sauce
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• 4 cloves garlic, minced
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• 2 stalks lemongrass, crushed
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• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
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• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
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• 2 tablespoons annatto oil (achiote oil)
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• Salt and pepper to taste
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• Basting sauce: reserved marinade + 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
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Instructions:

 

1. In a bowl, combine calamansi or lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemongrass, grated ginger, brown sugar, annatto oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

 

2. Place the chicken leg quarters in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

 

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.

 

4. Grill the chicken over direct heat, skin side down, for about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is nicely charred.

 

5. While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade and melted butter or oil. Baste the chicken every few minutes to enhance the flavors and keep the meat moist.

 

6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

 

IV. Variations and Tips for Inasal:

 

1. Pork Inasal: Substitute the chicken with pork chops or pork belly for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.

 

2. Veggie Inasal: Marinate and grill vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers alongside the chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version of Inasal.

 

 

 

Inasal recipes with rice

 

 

 

Inasal is a true culinary gem from the Philippines, showcasing the delightful flavors of grilled chicken infused with tangy and savory marinade. By following our step-by-step guide, you can recreate the authentic taste of Inasal in your own kitchen. So fire up the grill, marinate your chicken with the aromatic blend of ingredients, and experience the mouthwatering joy of this Filipino classic