Black sticky rice, often called Forbidden rice, has a sweet, nutty taste, is high in fiber and is a good vegetarian source of iron. When cooked the brown-black rice turns a shade of purple-black. It may also be labeled “black glutinous rice” or “black sweet rice.” Sushi rice, brown rice or regular white rice cannot be substituted for black sticky rice.

PALM SUGAR, an unrefined sweetener similar in flavor to brown sugar, is used in sweet and savory Asian dishes. Commonly available in pod-like cakes, but is also sold in paste form at Asian markets. Store as you would other sugar.

Tip: How to oil a grill rack: Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack.

The key to tender chicken meat and caramelized crispy skin is basting the chicken first with the hoisin-ginger sauce and finishing the chicken in a high-heat oven.