Koklo Mémé (Togolese Ginger-Garlic Marinated Charcoal-Grilled Chicken) – Authentic Togo Recipe

Ingredients for Koklo Mémé (Togolese Ginger-Garlic Marinated Charcoal-Grilled Chicken) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) char-grilled chicken thighs basted in aromatic spice oil, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crispy fried yam wedges (koliko) or plantains, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup fresh tomato-onion moyo salsa
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh grated ginger
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Togo seasoning (6 cloves garlic, lime juice, aniseed/fennel note, chili)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together fresh grated ginger, 6 cloves garlic, lime juice, aniseed/fennel note, chili, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Togo marinade.
2. Coat char-grilled chicken thighs basted in aromatic spice oil and crispy fried yam wedges (koliko) or plantains thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Sear char-grilled chicken thighs basted in aromatic spice oil and crispy fried yam wedges (koliko) or plantains for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with fresh tomato-onion moyo salsa, and serve immediately.