Transport your taste buds to Vietnam with this aromatic and flavorful dish of Lemongrass Chicken. Packed with the zesty freshness of lemongrass, garlic, and shallots, and balanced with the umami richness of fish sauce and soy sauce, this recipe promises to tantalize your senses. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, this dish is a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken at home!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, chopped shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and water. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken:
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop.
- Once the grill or pan is hot, place the chicken thighs on the grill or in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- If using a grill, you may want to lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, transfer the Lemongrass Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped lemongrass, sliced lime wedges, and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve the chicken hot alongside steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp green salad for a complete Vietnamese-inspired meal.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Grilling vs. Pan-Searing: While grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor, you can also pan-sear the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop for equally tasty results.
- Adjusting the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less of any ingredient, depending on your desired flavor profile.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
Keto-Friendly Version:
- Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
Low-Carb Version:
- Serve the Lemongrass Chicken with cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad instead of traditional rice to keep the meal low in carbohydrates.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for later use. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
- What if I don’t have lemongrass?
- If you don’t have fresh lemongrass, you can use lemongrass paste or lemongrass powder as a substitute. Alternatively, you can omit the lemongrass and add extra lime juice for a citrusy flavor.
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings the flavors of Vietnam to your table. With its fragrant marinade and tender, juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked indoors on a grill pan, this dish is a delicious way to experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy!
This detailed recipe guide provides everything you need to know to make flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken at home, including step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, dietary adaptations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking
