Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yahng)

Ingredients

Cilantro Pesto

• 2 teaspoons whole white peppercorns or black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaf, with stems
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped garlic

Sweet-Hot Garlic Sauce

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt, if desired
• 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce (available in the Asian section of your grocery-I like Huy Phong brand, a.k.a. Rooster brand)

Chicken

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 lbs chicken pieces
• hot cooked long-grain rice or jasmine rice

Directions

1. 1

   To make pesto, crush or grind the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle or in a spice or pepper grinder (empty grinder first, then pour in the measured peppercorns and grind until empty). Combine pepper, cilantro, and garlic and work into a smooth paste with a mortar and pestle or in a food processor. Add a little oil or water if needed to facilitate the grinding.

2. 2

   To make sauce, combine sugar, water, vinegar, garlic, and salt in a small, non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat (Beware of the fumes! It will taste much, much better than it smells at this stage--vinegar fumes will make your nose itch and eyes water!). Stir to dissolve sugar and reduce heat to low. Simmer until slightly reduced and thickened to a light syrup consistency, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chili-garlic sauce. Cool to room temperature; if not using right away, transfer to a jar and seal tightly (can be stored at room temp for 2-3 days).

3. 3

   In a 1-gallon ziplock bag, combine 1/3 cup of the pesto (save remainder for another use), the soy sauce and the salt, if desired. Add chicken pieces and shake until coated. Cover and chill 1-2 hours, turning over now and then.

4. 4

   Prepare a hot coal fire or preheat a gas grill. Arrange chicken on grill and cook for about 45 minutes-1 hour (depending on size of pieces), turning now and then to cook evenly.

5. 5

   When chicken is done, transfer to a platter and serve with the sauce and some rice.