Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese cuisine is a spectacular symphony of flavors, blending fresh herbs, robust seasonings, and vibrant textures. One dish that beautifully encapsulates this essence is Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Today, I’ll share a detailed recipe that not only promises an aromatic and delightful meal but also transports you straight to the heart of Vietnam from the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients

To begin, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken: 8 boneless chicken thighs
• For the Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (finely chopped, approx. 3½ tablespoons)
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced, approx. 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 shallot or small onion (finely chopped, approx. 2 tablespoons)
  • 1½ tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1½ tablespoons dark soy sauce (or mushroom soy, or regular soy)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
• For the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:
  • 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approx. 1 lime, or substitute with white vinegar)
  • 6 tablespoons hot water
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • Optional for garnish: grated carrots for color, 1 birds eye chili pepper for spiciness

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

Combine the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, and chopped shallot or onion in a bowl. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water to these ingredients. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

2. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess bits of lemongrass and shallot to prevent burning. Lightly oil the chicken and place it on the grill, skin side down first. Grill for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and continue grilling with the lid closed for another 5-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.

3. Make the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

While the chicken cooks, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, hot water, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit of heat, add a finely chopped birds eye chili.

4. Serve

Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips. Serve the grilled chicken with steamed vermicelli noodles or rice, fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato, and a generous drizzle of the Nuoc Cham sauce over everything.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Its robust and tangy flavors are perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a taste of Vietnamese tradition with every bite. Enjoy cooking, and savor the delightful journey through the flavors of Vietnam!