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Savory Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

This dish beautifully marries the citrus notes of lemongrass with tender, marinated chicken, creating a flavor explosion that's quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely chopped (tender white part)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (can substitute with soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • a pinch black pepper
For Serving
  • Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles
  • Fresh cilantro or mint leaves for garnish
  • Lime wedges for squeezing on top
  • Sliced cucumber or lettuce for freshness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix well and add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare your cooking space.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a dash of oil if needed. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (you might need to do this in batches).
  2. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the meat is golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing it into thin strips for serving.
Serving
  1. Serve the chicken warm over a bed of jasmine rice or rice noodles, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

Notes

Choose fresh lemongrass for the best flavor. This recipe can also be made with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. For extra heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers to the marinade.