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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

A flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs marinated with lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Opt for a neutral oil; canola or grapeseed preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely chopped (white part only) Freshly minced for the best flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth; don’t skimp on this!
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated The fresher, the better!
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Use low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce Essential for that umami punch.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar To balance the flavors; coconut sugar is a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1/2 cup water To create the sauce.
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro Optional for garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions Optional for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Add finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well.
  3. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to a couple of hours.
Cooking
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Pour in the water to deglaze the pan and create a sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, adjusting consistency if needed.
Serving
  1. Remove from heat; garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even results. Suitable for family dinners or impressing guests.