Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken
Try this Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken recipe
Try this Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken recipe
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- spicy lemongrass paste
- 5 fresh lemongrass (use only the white part)
- 25 dried red chilli (i used 30 dried chilli for more
- 1 1/2 inch ginger
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (i used less oil) spicy lemongrass chi
- 2 tbsp spicy lemongrass paste
- 700 g chicken wing - mid joint) season with some pepper and salt for about 20 mins
- 1 tsp meat curry powder
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce or fish sauce
- Carbohydrate 5.49150083333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0677716666666667 g
- Fiber 0.765708345492681 g
- Protein 0.7950125 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0211716666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -5 serving (219g)
- Sodium 147.866166666667 mg
- Sugar 4.72579248784065 g
- Trans Fat 0.0195716666666667 g
- Calories 24 calories
Step-by-step
- Soak dried chillies in hot water for 20 minutes, rinse and drain.
- Remove the outer part of lemongrass, clean and slice lemongrass, ground it coarsely together with all other ingredients into paste.
- Stir fry lemongrass paste with oil till fragrant under low heat. Set aside for later use.
- Heat up a cooking pan (I used a non stick pan), turn the heat to medium and cook the chicken pieces without oil, cover it if needed, until the grease started to release. (If using skinless chicken/chicken breast, you will need to add 1 tsp of oil or so to grease the pan).
- When the grease released is visible, stir in the chopped onion and cook for another minute, now add 1 tsp of curry powder, stir well and add 2 tbsp of Spicy Lemongrass Paste, stir for another minute, add about ½ cup water, salt, light soy sauce/fish paste and sugar. (I added another ½ cup water as I find the sauce is a little salty).
- Bring sauce to boil and when the liquid reduced to the thickness of your liking, it's done.
My Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Adventure: A Simple Recipe for Busy Weeknights
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, delicious, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken recipe. It's become a staple in our weeknight rotation, a testament to flavorful food that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The vibrant aromas alone are enough to transport you to a bustling Vietnamese street market, but the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of days.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The lemongrass paste, the heart of the recipe, is incredibly versatile. I make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge, ready to be whipped into a variety of dishes throughout the week. The chicken itself cooks quickly, releasing its natural oils for a beautifully browned finish. Adding the onion and curry powder adds depth, creating a rich tapestry of flavors that dance on your tongue. The final touch of light soy sauce or fish sauce adds a savory edge, beautifully balancing the spiciness of the chili. I often adjust the amount of chili based on my family’s preference – sometimes a little extra heat is welcome, other times a milder version is more appealing.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. I've experimented with different cuts of chicken, from bone-in thighs to boneless breasts. Each offers a unique texture and taste. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more complete meal. Leftovers are fantastic the next day, making this a perfect meal-prep option for those particularly hectic weeks. It’s equally delicious served with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple green salad.
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the experience. The smell of lemongrass and chili filling my kitchen as the chicken simmers is a comforting ritual that ends our day. It’s a reminder to slow down, even amidst the chaos, and savor the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with my family. It's a dish that celebrates the fusion of flavors and ease of preparation, perfect for the modern woman juggling work, family, and everything in between. Beyond its practicality, this dish is a small act of self-care, a delicious escape from the daily grind.
I’ve found that even small tweaks can make a big difference. For instance, I experimented with the amount of water, finding that sometimes a little extra is needed to achieve the perfect sauce consistency. The balance of sweet and savory is key, so feel free to adjust the sugar and soy sauce to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment! Cooking should be fun, and this recipe provides a wonderful canvas for your creativity. So go ahead, give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal.
More than just a recipe, this Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken has become a symbol of simple pleasures, a testament to the power of flavorful food to bring people together. It's a dish that resonates with my busy lifestyle, yet always feels special. And isn't that what cooking should be all about?
