7 Chicken Lemongrass Vietnamese
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fragrant herbs, fresh ingredients, and well-balanced flavors. One of the most commonly used ingredients in Vietnamese cooking is lemongrass, a citrusy and aromatic herb that enhances the taste of meats, soups, and stir-fries. When combined with chicken, lemongrass creates a flavorful, slightly tangy, and deeply savory dish that is both nutritious and delicious.
If you love Vietnamese flavors and want to explore some classic dishes, here are 7 must-try Vietnamese chicken lemongrass recipes that will bring the authentic taste of Vietnam to your kitchen.
1. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken (Gà Xào Sả Ớt)
One of the most iconic dishes in Vietnamese cuisine is Gà Xào Sả Ớt, which translates to stir-fried chicken with lemongrass and chili. This dish is a perfect blend of spicy, aromatic, and umami flavors, making it a staple in Vietnamese households.
To make this dish, marinate chicken pieces (either boneless thighs or drumsticks) with minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a bit of sugar. Once marinated, stir-fry the chicken in a hot pan with oil until golden brown, then add fresh chili peppers for a spicy kick.
The key to Gà Xào Sả Ớt is finely minced lemongrass, which infuses the chicken with its refreshing citrus aroma. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or even vermicelli noodles for a lighter option. Its bold flavors make it a popular dish for everyday meals and family gatherings.
2. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers (Gà Nướng Sả)
Gà Nướng Sả or grilled lemongrass chicken skewers is a popular street food dish in Vietnam, known for its smoky, charred flavors and juicy texture. These skewers are often served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce for a complete meal.
To make Gà Nướng Sả, marinate bite-sized chicken pieces with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice for at least two hours to allow the flavors to develop. Skewer the chicken onto bamboo sticks and grill over an open flame or on a stovetop grill pan. The natural oils from the lemongrass create a beautifully smoky aroma, making the skewers even more appetizing.
These skewers can be enjoyed in Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwiches, served over vermicelli noodles (bún thịt nướng), or paired with a refreshing green papaya salad. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken skewers are a delicious and healthy choice.
3. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Soup (Canh Gà Sả)
Canh Gà Sả is a comforting Vietnamese chicken soup infused with lemongrass, often enjoyed during cold weather or when feeling under the weather. This soup is light, aromatic, and packed with immune-boosting ingredients, making it a great addition to any meal.
To prepare this healing soup, simmer chicken thighs or drumsticks in chicken broth with bruised lemongrass stalks, garlic, ginger, and shallots. The broth absorbs the natural oils from the lemongrass, giving it a refreshing citrusy taste. Add vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots to enhance the soup’s nutritional value.
Some variations of Canh Gà Sả include the addition of coconut milk, which adds a rich, creamy texture, or a dash of fish sauce and lime juice for an extra burst of umami. This soup is light yet satisfying, perfect for those who prefer a nutritious and easy-to-digest meal.
4. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Curry (Cà Ri Gà Sả)
Vietnamese Cà Ri Gà Sả is a rich and flavorful chicken curry infused with the aroma of lemongrass and coconut milk. Unlike Indian or Thai curries, Vietnamese curry has a milder spice level and is often enjoyed with French bread (bánh mì) or steamed rice.
To make this hearty curry, cook chicken drumsticks or thighs with lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, and curry powder before adding coconut milk and potatoes. The lemongrass balances the richness of the coconut milk, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
This curry is a favorite during special occasions and family gatherings, as it is comforting, filling, and easy to prepare in large batches. Whether enjoyed as a soup-like dish with crusty bread or as a thicker stew over rice, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken curry is a must-try for curry lovers.
5. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Bánh Mì (Bánh Mì Gà Sả)
Bánh Mì is one of Vietnam’s most famous street foods, and when filled with lemongrass-marinated chicken, it becomes an irresistibly flavorful sandwich. This fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors results in a dish that is crispy, fresh, and full of depth.
To make Bánh Mì Gà Sả, grill or pan-fry marinated lemongrass chicken breast until charred and juicy. Slice it thinly and stuff it inside a crispy baguette along with pickled carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeños, and mayonnaise. The lemongrass enhances the savory and tangy flavors, creating a sandwich that is both refreshing and satisfying.
This dish is perfect for lunch or a quick grab-and-go meal, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to fast food. With its crunchy texture, aromatic chicken, and fresh herbs, lemongrass chicken bánh mì is a must-try for sandwich lovers.
6. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà Sả)
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken salad is an excellent choice. Known as Gỏi Gà Sả, this salad combines shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant lemongrass dressing for a dish that is vibrant and full of texture.
The salad base typically includes shredded cabbage, carrots, fresh mint, and cilantro, topped with grilled lemongrass chicken. The dressing is made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and finely chopped lemongrass, creating a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
This dish is low in carbs, rich in protein, and packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy option for weight-conscious eaters. Serve it with crushed peanuts and crispy shallots for an added crunch.
7. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Clay Pot (Gà Kho Sả)
Gà Kho Sả, or Vietnamese lemongrass chicken clay pot, is a slow-cooked dish known for its deep caramelized flavors. This traditional Vietnamese dish is cooked in a clay pot to intensify the flavors, resulting in tender, aromatic chicken.
To make this dish, simmer chicken pieces with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, caramelized sugar, and black pepper until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. The slow-cooking process enhances the umami flavors, making it incredibly rich and flavorful.
This dish is best served with steamed rice, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. The combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy lemongrass notes makes it a comforting, home-style meal that is both simple and incredibly satisfying.
Conclusion
These 7 Vietnamese chicken lemongrass dishes showcase the depth and versatility of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you prefer grilled skewers, comforting soups, or flavorful stir-fries, lemongrass adds an unmistakable fragrance and flavor to each dish. Try these recipes today and bring the authentic taste of Vietnam to your home!
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