Lemongrass Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting aromas that can transport you straight to Southeast Asia. This delightful recipe combines tender pieces of chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, and spices. It’s a dish that resonates with anyone who enjoys a good balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. You’re not just cooking a meal; you’re embarking on a culinary adventure that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right into your home.
Why We Love This Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
You’ll fall in love with Lemongrass Chicken for various reasons. To start, the main ingredient – lemongrass – adds a unique citrusy flavor that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This herb is not only flavorful but also known for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.
Another reason to adore this recipe is its marination process. The chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors, making it succulent and juicy. Cooking it in just one pan also means that cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your meal and spending quality time with your loved ones.
The versatility of Lemongrass Chicken is yet another factor that sets it apart. Whether served over a bed of steamed rice or accompanied by fresh vegetables, it adapts beautifully to your dining preference.
When you combine these elements, you have a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also nurtures your culinary spirit.
Ingredients about Lemongrass Chicken
To prepare a delicious serving of Lemongrass Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 600g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into thick slices
- 2 1⁄2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1 1⁄2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons red chili, minced
- 1/3 cup lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons lemongrass, finely chopped (for serving)
- 2 cups steamed rice
- 2 cups steamed vegetables
With this simple yet flavorful list of ingredients, you’re on your way to cooking up a vibrant and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Directions
Creating your own delicious Lemongrass Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you excel in the kitchen:
Marinate the Chicken: Begin by combining your chicken slices in a mixing bowl with fish sauce, soy sauce, turmeric powder, brown sugar, red chili, and half of the finely chopped lemongrass. Give it a good mix until the chicken pieces are well-coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This marination is crucial for sealing in the flavors.
Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium to high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sear the chicken, but not so hot that it burns.
Sauté Lemongrass: Once the oil is hot, add the remaining chopped lemongrass to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This step releases the essential oils of the lemongrass, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the marinated chicken into the hot pan. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes on each side until it is lightly browned. The goal here is to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
Add Water: After searing the chicken, pour in the water. This will help create a sauce as it cooks.
Simmer: Partially cover the pan with a lid, lowering the heat to simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency. The chicken should be tender and juicy.
Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle the extra chopped lemongrass over the top for a fresh touch.
Congratulations! Your Lemongrass Chicken is now ready to be served with steaming rice and your choice of cooked vegetables. This dish is bound to become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken
Serving your Lemongrass Chicken can be just as delightful as preparing it. To create an appealing presentation, place a generous scoop of the chicken in the center of each plate. Surround it with two cups of steamed rice, allowing the fluffy grains to complement the rich sauce of the chicken.
Next, add a portion of steamed vegetables on the side. You might choose broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Not only do vegetables enhance the visual appeal of your dish, but they also contribute to a well-balanced meal.
For an extra touch, you could garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint, elevating both the flavor and presentation. Serve the dish hot, and don’t forget to provide extra fish sauce or soy sauce for those who enjoy a little more seasoning. Your loved ones will definitely appreciate the effort you’ve put into both preparation and presentation.
Expert Tips: Lemongrass Chicken
Cooking is an art, and here are some expert tips to ensure your Lemongrass Chicken turns out perfectly:
Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for thighs instead of breasts, as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer white meat, ensure you don’t overcook it, as it can dry out quickly.
Fresh Lemongrass: Use fresh lemongrass if you can find it. Its vibrant flavor surpasses dried alternatives. If fresh isn’t available, make sure to use high-quality dried lemongrass as a fallback.
Let it Marinate: Do not skip the marination step. The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more pronounced the flavors will be. You could even marinate it overnight in the fridge for an intensified flavor.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili according to your heat preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount or substitute it with bell peppers.
Cook in Batches: If your pan is crowded, consider cooking the chicken in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which affects the flavors.
How to Store Lemongrass Chicken
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing your Lemongrass Chicken properly is essential for maintaining its flavor and quality. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Make sure to separate it into individual portions for convenience. When freezing, use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in a pan on low heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but take care not to overheat, as it may dry out the chicken.
Variation of Lemongrass Chicken
One of the great things about cooking is how you can adapt recipes to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try with your Lemongrass Chicken:
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Marinade the chicken as instructed, but instead of cooking it in a pan, grill it for that smoky flavor. The grill marks add visual appeal and enhance taste.
Lemongrass Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
Lemongrass Chicken Salad: Toss the cooked chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad that’s perfect for summer.
Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to throw in slices of bell peppers, snap peas, or even baby corn during the cooking process. This adds a delightful crunch and more nutrients to your dish.
With these variations, you can keep your mealtime interesting while enjoying the amazing flavors of Lemongrass Chicken.
FAQ about Lemongrass Chicken
What is Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass Chicken is a popular dish that features chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture that includes lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, and spices. The result is tender chicken with a citrusy and savory taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating your chicken for 10-15 minutes at room temperature is sufficient. However, for a stronger flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the fridge.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs. However, be careful not to overcook the breast, as it can become dry.
What can I serve with Lemongrass Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and vegetables. You can also enjoy it in tacos or on a fresh salad.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness by increasing the amount of minced red chili used in the marinade.
Lemongrass Chicken
Ingredients
- 600 g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into thick slices
- 2 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp red chili, minced
- 1/3 cup lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tsp lemongrass, finely chopped (for serving)
- 2 cups steamed rice
- 2 cups steamed vegetables
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken slices with fish sauce, soy sauce, turmeric, brown sugar, red chili, and half of the chopped lemongrass. Mix well and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium to high heat.
- Add the remaining chopped lemongrass to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Pour in the water and reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle extra chopped lemongrass over the chicken before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
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