16 Lemongrass Chicken Recipe Vietnamese Gai Get Ready To Indulge!

Published on: Mar 19, 2024

Lemongrass chicken, also known as "gai", is a popular Vietnamese dish that is loved for its vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations and has become a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Lemongrass chicken is a perfect balance of tangy and savory, making it a must-try for any food lover. Here's how you can make this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.

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Ingredients:

Lemongrass - 1 stalk, white part only, finely chopped
Chicken - 1 pound, cut into bite-size pieces
Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
Shallots - 2, thinly sliced
Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
Sugar - 1 tablespoon
Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
Oil - for frying

Marinating the Chicken:

To make the lemongrass chicken, start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix together the minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Frying the Chicken:

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until they are golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Serving:

Serve the lemongrass chicken over a bed of steamed rice and top it with some freshly chopped cilantro. You can also add some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes on the side to add some freshness to the dish.

Tips:

When cutting the chicken, make sure to cut it into bite-size pieces so that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the marinade.
For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you don't have lemongrass, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemongrass paste or 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.

In Conclusion:

Lemongrass chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is loved by many. With its tangy and savory flavors, it is a perfect representation of Vietnamese cuisine. So why not give this recipe a try and take your taste buds on a delicious journey to Vietnam?