Filipino cuisine presents Chicken Inasal as a popular dish that earns its reputation for its delicious and flavorful taste. The cook marinates chicken in a mixture of spices and grills it over charcoal, infusing it with a smoky and savory flavor. Additionally, the dish frequently accompanies a side of rice and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and calamansi (a small, green citrus fruit native to the Philippines).
The marinade for Chicken Inasal typically includes ingredients such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and annatto oil, which give the chicken its distinct flavor and color. Furthermore, annatto oil is made from the seeds of the annatto tree and is used to color the chicken as well as to add flavor. The marinade is usually applied to the chicken for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Origin
Chicken Inasal is a traditional dish that originated in the Philippines, specifically in the province of Bacolod in the Visayas region. People believe that the dish of Chicken Inasal originated in the late 1800s, with the first known inasal restaurants opening in Bacolod City in the 1940s. The name "inasal" derives from the Hiligaynon word "nasal" which means "to grill" or "to roast." The dish is a variation of traditional Filipino barbecue, which is typically made with pork. However, Chicken Inasal is made with chicken and prepared with a unique marinade of a combination of spices and herbs, giving it a distinct flavor profile.
Chicken Inasal quickly became popular in Bacolod City and eventually spread to other parts of the Philippines. Today, it is considered a staple dish in Filipino cuisine and can be found in many Filipino restaurants both in the Philippines and abroad.
Flavorful Chicken Inasal Recipe
Here is a recipe for the best chicken inasal that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
1 kg chicken, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, minced
1 tsp pepper
2 tbsp annatto oil (or substitute with paprika or turmeric)
1 tbsp sugar
salt, to taste
Instructions:
First, in a large bowl, combine the vinegar, lemon juice, coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, onion, pepper, annatto oil, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
Secondly, add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt. Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Lastly, serve the chicken inasal hot with rice and your choice of dipping sauce, such as a vinegar-based sauce or a spicy chili sauce. Enjoy!
Uses of Chicken Inasal
People typically serve chicken inasal as a main dish, either as part of a meal with rice and vegetables or as a standalone dish. They also commonly use it as an ingredient in other dishes, such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads. People can grill, bake, or pan-fry the marinated chicken to use in these dishes. In addition to being a popular food in the Philippines, people have also gained popularity for chicken inasal in other parts of the world as a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. People can find it at Filipino restaurants and food stalls in many countries, and they sometimes serve it at events and gatherings as a tasty and unique alternative to more traditional chicken dishes.
There are many dishes that can be made using chicken inasal as an ingredient. Here are a few ideas:
Chicken inasal sandwiches:
Grill or bake marinated chicken inasal and serve it on a bun or roll with lettuce, tomato, and other toppings.
Chicken inasal wraps:
Alternatively, wrap thin slices of chicken inasal in tortillas or lettuce leaves with a variety of vegetables and sauces.
Chicken inasal salads:
Coupled with dice or shredded chicken, you can add it to a salad of mixed greens, vegetables, and dressing.
Chicken inasal skewers:
Thread the cubes of chicken inasal onto skewers and grill or bake for a flavorful and easy-to-eat appetizer or snack.
Chicken inasal pasta:
Furthermore, combine cooked pasta with diced or shredded chicken inasal and a sauce made from the marinade for a quick and easy pasta dish.
Chicken inasal pizza:
Additionally, use sliced chicken inasal as a topping for pizza along with other vegetables and cheeses.
These are just a few ideas, and there are many other ways to use chicken inasal in different dishes. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own ideas.
Other Facts About Inasal
While cooking, the cook usually grills the chicken over charcoal to infuse it with a smoky and savory flavor. The cook bastes the chicken with the marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful. After cooking the chicken through, the cook cuts it into small pieces and serves it with a side of rice.
Moreover, the dipping sauce served with Chicken Inasal is prepared from soy sauce, calamansi juice, and chili peppers. Hence, this gives it a tangy and spicy flavor. The sauce is the perfect complement to the savory. The smoky chicken and adds a nice level of heat
