Description
This vibrant, aromatic dish features chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. It offers a refreshing balance of citrusy and savory flavors, typical of Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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3 stalks of fresh lemongrass (or 2 tablespoons of lemongrass paste)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fish sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for marinating)
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Cooking the Chicken:
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
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Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
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Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preparing the lemongrass. If you’re using fresh lemongrass, trim the tough ends off and peel away the outer layers until you reach the tender inner stalks. Then, finely chop the lemongrass into small pieces. If using lemongrass paste, you can skip this step and use 2 tablespoons of the paste directly.
Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved and the marinade is well-combined.
Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and coat the meat evenly with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will be, but even a short marinating time will yield tasty results.
After marinating, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet or grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Slice the chicken into thin strips and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and lime wedges. You can also serve the chicken with a side of steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 30g