Soy-Lime Grilled Hen Thighs with Corn, and Cucumber Salad

You’re by no means going to go mistaken with grilled rooster, and these rooster thighs provide a daring, flavor-packed shortcut while you want dinner on the desk shortly. The magic begins with the marinade, a brief soak in soy sauce and lime juice to infuse the rooster with deep umami taste and vivid acidity. The soy runs deep right here, lending a savory richness that caramelizes fantastically on the grill. Because the thighs cook dinner, they keep extremely juicy inside whereas the perimeters crisp up, providing that impossible to resist smoky crunch you solely get from direct warmth.

The salad on the aspect is greater than only a recent ingredient, it’s a balancing act. Candy corn, cooling cucumber, and a touch of chile create a distinction that cuts by way of the richness of the rooster. It’s crunchy, zesty, and simply spicy sufficient to maintain issues fascinating. Collectively, the dish is each hearty, refreshing, and splendid for a scorching night while you need one thing satisfying however not heavy.

This recipe is all about good contrasts: wealthy vs. mild, smoky vs. crisp, savory vs. recent. It’s straightforward sufficient for a weeknight however spectacular sufficient for weekend entertaining. The marinade is a keeper, and never only for rooster — strive it on tofu, shrimp, or greens, too. Whether or not you are internet hosting a yard barbecue or simply firing up the grill for your self, this soy-lime combo will hit all the correct notes. Serve with chilly beer or a citrusy white wine for a easy, standout summer time meal.

Are you able to marinate rooster in lime juice too lengthy?

Marinating in lime juice provides vivid, zesty taste, however it’s greatest stored brief — about half-hour to 1 hour — particularly when used alone. The acidity in citrus begins to interrupt down proteins shortly, which might make meat mushy if left too lengthy. For longer marinating, steadiness the lime juice with oil, herbs, and spices to mellow its impression. This creates a extra flavorful, even marinade with out compromising the meat’s texture.

Moderation is vital when working with citrus, so use sufficient to get the flavour and acidity you need however not a lot that you just ceviche your rooster. 

preserve rooster juicy on the grill

To maintain rooster juicy on the grill, begin with bone-in, skin-on cuts like thighs, like we use right here, or drumsticks, since they keep moisture higher than boneless, skinless breasts. (You may also use bone-in breasts, although they take loads longer to cook dinner.)

Marinating the rooster provides taste and helps lock in juiciness. It additionally helps to keep away from urgent or flipping the meat too usually — as a substitute counting on a meat thermometer to drag the rooster off the grill at 165°F — and to relaxation it for at the very least 5 minutes to permit carryover cooking to 170°F and preserve the juices in.

A lightweight coating of oil on the rooster and the grill helps forestall sticking, which might tear the meat or pores and skin and launch juices.  

Notes from the Meals & Wine Check Kitchen 

• The recipe requires cooking the rooster to 170°F, which is above the USDA secure temperature of 165°F, however since thighs have extra connective tissue, they’re juicier and extra tender when cooked to a barely increased temperature.
• If you’re delicate to salt, go for a lower-sodium soy sauce. 
• If grilling isn’t within the playing cards, you may make this on an indoor grill pan as effectively. Begin with the greens after which cook dinner the rooster.

Advised pairing 

2022 Ceretto Blangé Langhe Arneis. The citrusy 2022 Ceretto Blangé Langhe Arneis is an ideal match for soy-lime grilled rooster thighs. Its vivid acidity cuts by way of the savory umami of the soy, whereas notes of pear, lemon, and white blossom echo the zesty lime and refresh the palate. This crisp Italian white additionally enhances the candy corn and funky cucumber salad, enhancing the dish’s steadiness of textures and flavors!

This recipe was developed by Renu Dhar; the textual content was written by Breana Killeen.