Gai Yang is a beloved Thai grilled chicken, often found as popular street food. This recipe captures its authentic, savory, and slightly sweet flavor with a rich marinade, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Authentic Thai Gai Yang Recipe
Gai Yang is a beloved Thai grilled chicken, often found as popular street food. This recipe captures its authentic, savory, and slightly sweet flavor with a rich marinade, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or leg quarters)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass tough outer layers removed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon white peppercorns crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric optional
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine garlic, lemongrass, white peppercorns, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, and turmeric (if using). Process until a smooth paste forms.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry. Make a few shallow slits in the skin of each chicken piece to help the marinade penetrate. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it gets under the skin. Place in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare for grilling: Preheat your grill (charcoal or gas) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and charred in places. Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve hot with sticky rice, a fresh salad, and a traditional Thai dipping sauce (Nam Jim Jaew recommended).
Notes
For best results, marinate chicken overnight. Make shallow cuts on the chicken to help the marinade penetrate deeper. Serve with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce like Nam Jim Jaew. Adjust chili to taste.
