David Chang’s Crispy Chicken Necks

David Chang, the culinary maverick, has an uncanny ability to elevate humble ingredients to extraordinary heights. His chicken neck recipes are a testament to this, transforming what might be considered a mere scrap into a flavorful delicacy. Inspired by his innovative spirit, we embarked on a global culinary journey, blending diverse traditions to create a dish that pays homage to this humble cut of meat.

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken necks, cleaned and trimmed

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, snow peas)

1 cup cooked rice

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Image Source: tiktok.com

Preparation Process:

1. Marinate the Necks: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Add the chicken necks, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Sear the Necks: Remove the marinated chicken necks from the marinade and sear them in the hot skillet until browned on all sides.
4. Add the Vegetables: Push the seared necks to the side of the skillet and add the mixed vegetables to the center. Stir-fry until crisp-tender.
5. Create the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the seared necks to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Serve over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Total Time Required: 1 hour

Serving Ideas:

Asian Fusion Bowl: Serve the chicken neck dish over a bed of noodles or rice, topped with a fried egg and a drizzle of chili oil.

Taco Night: Use the chicken necks to fill tacos or burritos, with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Elevated Snack: Serve the chicken necks as an appetizer with toothpicks, alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.

Cultural Influences:

This dish is a fusion of flavors from various cultures. The marinade draws inspiration from East Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and Vietnamese influences. The stir-fry technique is a cornerstone of Chinese cooking, while the addition of fresh herbs and lime wedges brings a bright, zesty note reminiscent of Southeast Asian flavors.

The humble chicken neck, often overlooked in Western cuisine, takes center stage in this global culinary adventure. By embracing diverse culinary traditions, we elevate this ingredient to a dish that is both comforting and exciting, a true testament to the power of food to connect cultures and inspire creativity.