Grillin'

Back in the 90's I worked in Asia, mostly a few months each year in Hong Kong and southern China. No where have I had food as fresh as I did there.... the fish swims in a tank until you pick it out, then is prepared your favorite way. And the flavors of the foods I remember to this day. So, when I come across a recipe like this one that combines Asian flavors with grillin', I try it.

Butterflied Chicken with Asian Flavors - Preparation is about 15 to 20 minutes and cooking either on the grill or in the oven is about one hour.

Butterfly a chicken, 3½ to 4 lbs: Have your butcher butterfly the bird (my daughter's recommendation). Alternatively, place breast side down. Cut along side of the backbone with a chef's knife or use poultry scissors to remove the bone. Slip your knife under the rib cage on one side and remove. Do the same on the other side. There are two bones that will be evident at the top of the chicken: remove these shoulder bones by cutting the meat on both sides and breaking off close to the joint. Turn the chicken over, cut along both sides of the wishbone, put your thumb at the top of the wishbone and remove. Next find the joint between the thigh and leg. Make a cut partially through the joint. This cut will ensure even cooking of the joint.

Take your fingers/thumb and loosen the skin from the breast, legs and thighs. Make the sauce and place some under the skin. Rub some of the sauce on the outside skin. Salt and pepper the underside.

Oven @ 425°F or grill on high. Half way through the cooking period baste with any remaining sauce.... or you can omit to get a crispy skin. Either way the flavors are what sold me on this recipe. The next time I cook this up, I plan to add about 1-2 teaspoons of grated ginger.