The Lemongrass Chicken offers an aromatic blend of fresh herbs, savory soy sauce, and zesty lime. The chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, golden on the outside yet juicy on the inside, making every bite a delightful experience.
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold, fragrant flavors. The combination of lemongrass, garlic, and shallots creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with an irresistible taste. It’s quick to make, and you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili. Whether served on a busy weeknight or at a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its flavorful simplicity.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sliced chilies for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and mix well, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional sliced chilies for extra heat. Serve with steamed rice or a side of vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: A Flavorful and Versatile Dish
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a beloved dish with roots in the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. This simple yet aromatic recipe features tender chicken marinated in a blend of fragrant lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. The result is a dish that balances savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, with a mouthwatering aroma that fills the air. Often grilled to perfection, this dish is juicy, flavorful, and offers a slightly crispy exterior, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply cooking dinner for your family, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
The Significance of Lemongrass in Vietnamese Cuisine
Lemongrass is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, providing a subtle citrusy fragrance that adds depth to various dishes. It has a unique taste that’s both refreshing and aromatic, making it perfect for marinating meats like chicken, pork, and even beef. In Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, the lemongrass serves as the star of the marinade, infusing the chicken with its zesty flavor. When combined with garlic, shallots, and fish sauce, it creates a marinade that penetrates the meat, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
For this recipe, it’s recommended to use dark meat, such as boneless chicken thighs or deboned chicken drumsticks. Dark meat is naturally juicier, which ensures that the chicken remains tender and flavorful after grilling. While you can substitute with white meat like chicken breasts, it’s important not to overcook them, as they can become dry. For faster cooking and more even results, boneless chicken is the preferred option. However, if you prefer bone-in cuts, simply adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Lemongrass Chicken
Grilling is the best way to prepare Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, as it allows the marinade to caramelize, creating a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy on the inside. Since the marinade contains sugar, it’s crucial to grill the chicken over medium heat instead of high heat. High heat can cause the sugar and garlic to burn before the chicken cooks through. To achieve the ideal balance of crispiness and juiciness, start by searing the chicken skin side down for a few minutes, then flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches the appropriate level. This slow and steady approach will give you perfectly grilled chicken every time.
How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles, accompanied by a side of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce). The sweetness and tanginess of nuoc cham complement the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a harmonious combination.
For a more adventurous twist, you can serve the chicken in fresh Vietnamese spring rolls (goi cuon). Simply add slices of the grilled chicken, fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrots, and a few herbs like Thai basil. Roll everything in a rice wrapper, dip in nuoc cham, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.
Another great way to serve this chicken is in a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich. Use a French baguette, spread some pate and mayonnaise, and top it with fresh cucumber slices, pickled daikon, and lemongrass chicken. The crispy bread combined with the juicy chicken makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken over a fresh salad. The tender grilled chicken adds protein and flavor, making the salad more substantial. Alternatively, if you have leftover lemongrass chicken, it can be sliced and added to a stir-fry for a quick and easy meal.
Lemongrass Chicken: A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a perfect dish for BBQs, dinner parties, or even weeknight meals. Its unique flavors and aroma make it an impressive addition to any gathering. The simplicity of the recipe, paired with the rich taste of lemongrass, ensures that it will be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned cook, this recipe will transport you to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with each bite.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Any Home Cook
In conclusion, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a delightful and versatile dish that combines fresh, aromatic flavors with juicy grilled chicken. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, the tender chicken marinated in lemongrass and other bold ingredients will leave you craving more. With its wide range of serving options—from traditional rice and noodles to fresh spring rolls and banh mi—this recipe can easily be adapted to suit any palate. So, fire up the grill, prepare the marinade, and get ready to enjoy this delicious dish that brings the essence of Vietnamese cuisine right to your table.