Name: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Kebab Sandwiches
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT1H15M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT5H0M0.000S
Yield: 4 to 6 kebabs
Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic; 1 small shallot, quartered; 1 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and cut into large pieces; 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems); Grated zest and juice of 1 lime; 1/4 cup fish sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for the grill; 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces; 1/2 small daikon radish, peeled, halved and thinly sliced; 4 jalapeno peppers, each cut into 8 pieces; Kosher salt; 3/4 cup rice wine vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; Kosher salt; 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks; 1/2 seedless cucumber, cut into matchsticks; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; Grated zest and juice of 1/2 lime; 1 1/2 teaspoons Sriracha; Kosher salt; Chopped fresh cilantro, Thai basil, split baguette pieces and lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Make the kebabs: Combine the garlic, shallot, ginger, lemongrass and cilantro in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the lime zest and juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar and vegetable oil and process until a coarse paste forms. Put the chicken in a large bowl and add the ginger paste; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.
Meanwhile, make the pickled vegetables: Bring the vinegar, 1/4 cup water, the sugar and 1 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar and salt dissolve. Let cool slightly. Combine the carrots and cucumber in a small bowl and pour the brine over the top; press the vegetables to submerge. Refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 4 hours. Drain, then stir in the cilantro.
Make the spicy mayonnaise: Stir the mayonnaise, lime zest and juice and Sriracha in a small bowl; season with salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat a grill to medium. Drain the chicken, brushing off any large pieces of the ginger paste. Thread the chicken, daikon and jalapeños onto ten 12-inch skewers. Season with salt.
Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil. Grill the kebabs, turning often, until the chicken is cooked through and well-marked, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to a platter and sprinkle with cilantro and Thai basil. Serve in baguettes with the pickled vegetables, spicy mayonnaise and lime wedges.

Cook’s Note

If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they won't burn.

Photograph by Ralph Smith

This recipe has been updated to more accurately recognize its origin or to add cultural context. It may differ from what was originally published or broadcast.