Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and exquisite balance between herbs and spices, offers a myriad of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Among these, the Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken stands out as a dish that embodies the essence of Vietnamese cooking. This recipe not only delivers a burst of flavors but also encapsulates the simplicity and elegance of Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Ingredients to Gather

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, ensure you have the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 8 boneless chicken thighs
• Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons)
  • 4 cloves garlic (approx. 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 shallot (approx. 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
• Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approx. 1 lime)
  • 6 tablespoons hot water
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • Optional: grated carrots, 1 birds eye chili pepper

The Journey Begins: Preparing Your Dish

1. Marinade Magic:

First, let’s create the marinade that will infuse the chicken with its distinctive flavors. Finely chop the lemongrass, garlic, and shallot. Combine these with fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs to this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or for the best results, leave it overnight in the fridge. This step is crucial as it allows the meat to absorb all the aromatic goodness.

2. Grill to Perfection:

Once marinated, it’s time to grill. Start by removing any excess marinade to prevent burning. Lightly oil your grill and cook the chicken over medium heat. Begin with the skin side down to achieve that irresistibly crispy exterior. Grill for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and perfect charring. The goal here is to reach a balance between a crispy outside and a juicy, tender inside.

3. Nuoc Cham – The Quintessential Dipping Sauce:

While your chicken grills, prepare the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce. This sauce is a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a perfect blend of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Simply mix lime juice, hot water, sugar, and fish sauce in a bowl. For an extra kick, add grated carrots and a finely chopped birds eye chili pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Serving Suggestions

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This dish pairs wonderfully with vermicelli noodles or rice, complemented by a variety of vegetables. Drizzle some Nuoc Cham over or serve it on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 537 kcal per serving

Conclusion

Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a journey through the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. It embodies the balance and harmony of flavors that Vietnamese cooking strives for. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this recipe promises a delightful experience. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring the essence of Vietnam to your table. Enjoy your cooking, and more importantly, enjoy your meal!

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