The Lemongrass-Chili Glazed Chicken

 

## 1. The Lemongrass-Chili Glazed Chicken

To get that deep, caramelized "char" seen in the image, you need a marinade with both aromatics and sugars.

### **The Ingredients**

* **The Protein:** 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into uniform 2-inch medallions.

* **The Marinade:**

* 2 tbsp Minced lemongrass (white part only).

* 1 tbsp Fish sauce.

* 1 tbsp Honey or palm sugar.

* 1 tsp Dark soy sauce (for that deep color).

* 1 tsp Chili flakes or minced Thai bird's eye chili.

* **The Garnish (as seen in image):**

* Black sesame seeds.

* Paper-thin red chili rings.

* Fresh cilantro micro-greens or small leaves.

* Crispy fried wonton strips (placed in an 'X' for height).

### **The Method**

1. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.

2. Sear in a cast-iron pan over high heat or grill until the edges are slightly blackened and the honey has caramelized into a sticky glaze.

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## 2. The Mango-Lime "Silk" Purée

The base of this dish is a smooth, vibrant yellow purée that acts as both a sauce and a visual anchor.

### **The Ingredients**

* 1 large ripe Mango (Ataulfo/Honey mango works best for smoothness).

* Juice of 1 Lime.

* 1/2 tsp Freshly grated ginger.

* A tiny pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness).

* 1 tsp Rice vinegar (for extra tang).

### **The Method**

1. Peel and cube the mango.

2. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until absolutely smooth.

3. **Chef's Tip:** Pass the purée through a fine-mesh sieve (chinois) to ensure there are no fibers, giving it that "silk" look seen on the slate.

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## Plating Like a Pro

To mirror the image exactly, follow these steps:

* **The Slate:** Use a dark slate or charcoal-colored plate to make the yellow and orange tones "pop."

* **The Foundation:** Using a large spoon, place a dollop of mango purée on one end and "swoosh" it in a straight line across the plate.

* **The Line-up:** Place the chicken medallions in a tight, overlapping row directly on top of the purée.

* **The Detail:** Sprinkle black sesame seeds across the whole line, place your chili rings precisely, and lean two crispy wonton strips against the center piece for architectural height.