Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a popular dish that originates from Vietnam. It is a flavorful and healthy option that is enjoyed by many people around the world. The dish is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and other spices, and then grilling it until it is cooked through.
The combination of lemongrass, garlic, and other spices in the marinade gives the chicken a unique and delicious flavor. The marinade also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
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
Directions:
Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop lemongrass, garlic, and shallot. Mix with fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and marinate for 30 mins to 1 hour at room temperature or overnight.
Grill the Chicken: Remove excess marinade from chicken. Lightly oil and grill over medium heat, starting skin side down. Grill for 12-15 mins, turning as needed for even cooking.
Make Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce: Mix lime juice, hot water, sugar, fish sauce, and optional ingredients until sugar dissolves.
Serve and Enjoy: Let chicken rest before slicing. Serve with vermicelli noodles or rice, vegetables, and Nuoc Cham.
Cooking Techniques
Marinating Tips
Marinating is an essential step in preparing Vietnamese grilled lemongrass chicken. It helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and make it more tender. To marinate the chicken, combine lemongrass, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and other ingredients in a glass bowl. Massage the chicken with the marinade to ensure it is well-coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Grilling Instructions
Grilling is the best way to cook Vietnamese grilled lemongrass chicken. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use tongs to flip the chicken and avoid piercing it with a fork to retain the juices.
Serving Suggestions
Vietnamese grilled lemongrass chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. It pairs well with steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or a fresh salad. Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.
To summarize, marinating the chicken is crucial to infuse it with flavor and make it tender. Grilling is the best way to cook the chicken, and it should be served with a variety of sides to complement its flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for making Vietnamese lemongrass chicken?
To make Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, you will need chicken breasts or thighs, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Some recipes may also call for lime juice or rice vinegar.
How do you prepare the lemongrass for chicken marinade?
To prepare lemongrass for chicken marinade, remove the tough outer layers and trim the top and bottom. Finely chop the tender white and light green parts of the lemongrass stalks. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to pulse the lemongrass into small pieces.
What are the nutritional values of a serving of Vietnamese lemongrass chicken?
The nutritional values of Vietnamese lemongrass chicken can vary based on the specific recipe and serving size. However, in general, a serving of grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken made with chicken thighs and served with rice and vegetables is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can also be a good source of healthy fats if made with chicken thighs.
Can Vietnamese lemongrass chicken be made in an oven?
Yes, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken can be made in an oven. However, it may not have the same charred flavor as grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken. To make it in an oven, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
What are some tips for getting the chicken thighs perfectly grilled?
To get perfectly grilled chicken thighs, make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, avoid moving it too much and wait until it releases easily before flipping.
How can you adapt the Vietnamese lemongrass chicken recipe for a skewer version?
To adapt the Vietnamese lemongrass chicken recipe for a skewer version, cut the chicken into small pieces and thread them onto skewers. Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.