Authentic Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings Recipe

If you're looking for a way to impress your guests at the next barbecue or add some flair to your weeknight dinner, these Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Wings are the answer. Bursting with authentic Vietnamese flavors—think lemongrass, fish sauce, and a touch of spice—these wings deliver a perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and umami goodness.

Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or simply a foodie with a love for Asian cuisine, this recipe will elevate your cooking game.

What You’ll Get From This Recipe

• A step-by-step guide to preparing mouthwatering grilled Vietnamese chicken wings.
• Pro tips for achieving perfectly crispy, caramelized wings every time.
• Insights into authentic Vietnamese ingredients to help you build flavor like a pro.

Fire up your grill, because these wings are about to become your new favorite recipe!

The Key to Perfect Vietnamese Chicken Wings

The secret behind these irresistible grilled Vietnamese chicken wings lies in the marinade. Combining traditional Vietnamese ingredients with a grilling technique that deeply caramelizes the wings produces a dish packed with vibrant flavor.

Before getting started, here's what you'll need.

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
• 3 stalks of fresh lemongrass, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Red chilies, thinly sliced (if you're a fan of spice)
• Lime wedges for squeezing

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Fish Sauce and Soy Sauce: These staples of Vietnamese cuisine add a salty, umami base to the marinade.
• Lemongrass and Garlic: Aromatic heroes that layer the wings with bold, citrusy notes.
• Brown Sugar and Honey: Provide a touch of sweetness and caramelization when grilled.
• Chili Flakes: Bring just enough heat to balance the flavors.

Now that we know what goes into the wings, it's time to start cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Vietnamese Chicken Wings

Follow these steps for tender, juicy wings with a perfectly smoky char.

Step 1 - Prepare the Marinade

Begin by creating a marinade that will infuse the wings with bold Vietnamese flavors.

1. Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, honey, chili flakes (if using), and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well combined.

Pro Tip: For best results, taste the marinade—adjust the balance of sweetness, acidity, and saltiness to your preference.

Step 2 - Marinate the Wings

1. Add the chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Pro Tip: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor. For even coating, toss the wings occasionally.

Step 3 - Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
2. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4 - Grill the Wings

1. Remove the wings from the marinade, shaking off any excess to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Place the wings on the grill in a single layer, cooking for 18-22 minutes. Turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent charring.
3. Midway through grilling, brush the wings with a small amount of the reserved marinade for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the wings as the sugars in the marinade caramelize quickly. Move them to cooler areas of the grill if needed.

Step 5 - Garnish and Serve

1. Once the wings are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), transfer to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced red chilies, and lime wedges.
3. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Why You’ll Love These Wings

• Caramelized Perfection: The combination of brown sugar and honey gives the wings a golden, sticky glaze that’s irresistible.
• Complex Flavors: From the tang of lime to the savory fish sauce, every bite is a symphony of flavors.
• Grilling Adds Smokiness: Grilled over an open flame, the wings gain a smoky depth that makes them unforgettable.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Vietnamese chicken wings pair beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Here are some ideas:

• Pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon to add crunch and acidity.
• Jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles for a hearty base.
• Nuoc cham dipping sauce, a classic Vietnamese fish sauce-based dip, for an extra layer of flavor.

For drinks, consider pairing the wings with a crisp lager or a citrusy mocktail to enhance the meal.

Engage Your Inner Foodie (and Grill Master)

Grilled Vietnamese chicken wings aren’t just a dish—they’re an experience. Mastering this recipe will delight your taste buds and wow your dinner guests. With just a bit of prep work, you'll bring the authentic flavors of Vietnam to your table—or your backyard BBQ.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your version of our Vietnamese chicken wings on social media with the hashtag #GrillWithFlavor and inspire the foodie community. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more recipes just like this.

Happy grilling!