Vietnamese Lemon Rice Recipes

VIETNAMESE SPICY LEMONGRASS CHICKEN (Gà XàO Sả ỚT)

Steps:

• Marinade: Combine chicken and marinade ingredients, and let it sit to marinate for 15 minutes.
• Mince aromatics: Clean the lemongrass, remove the outer layers of rough leaves and find the yellow leaves inside. Slice the lemongrass roots into ⅛" slices first, then add to a food processor to finely mince and set aside. Mince/process the garlic then set aside. Mince/process shallots and set aside.
• Make the chile sauce: Combine fish sauce, sambal, and coconut juice and mix to combine.
• Pat dry your chicken, cut into bite size pieces.
• In a pan over medium-high heat, add four tbsp of oil and add the shallots and saute until light brown. Add the garlic and saute until light brown. Add lemongrass and stir until fragrant. Add the chicken and brown it a little.
• Lower to medium heat, add the Chile Sauce. Stir to mix, taste and adjust as necessary, then cover with a lid. After about five minutes, stir a bit, retaste and reseason if necessary, add more cooking time if needed.
• Add the garnish about 1-2 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking to soften a bit. The dish is done once the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 °F, or until the center of the chicken is no longer pink.
• Serve with a side of rice.

VIETNAMESE NOODLES WITH LEMONGRASS CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine Chicken and Marinade ingredients and set aside for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours. (Note 4)
• Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a fry pan over medium heat (or heat the BBQ). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off large bits of lemongrass (small bits should fall off during cooking).
• Place chicken in the pan and cook each side until dark golden brown and chicken is just cooked through - about 6 to 8 minutes in total.
• Remove from pan, shaking off any remaining bits of visible lemongrass and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Then slice into thin pieces.
• Combine the Nuoc Cham ingredients and mix well to dissolve the sugar. Adjust to your taste (spiciness, lime, sweetness) and set aside for at least 20 minutes.
• Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water for 3 minutes (or according to packet instructions), then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the noodles from sticking together.
• Individual servings: Place noodles in bowl. Top with vegetables and herbs, and sliced chicken pieces. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of Nuoc Cham Sauce (be generous, ~ 4 tbsp per serving) and serve with lime wedges.
• DIY (my preferred way): Place chicken, vegetables, herbs, noodles and sauce in separate bowls / piled on platters. Then let everyone make their own bowls!

VIETNAMESE LEMON RICE

Steps:

• Wash rice until water runs clear, then drain.
• Mix rice, water, salt, and oil in a nonstick saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Turn heat down to very low, stir gently, cover tightly, and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add lemon zest and juice and mix lightly with chopsticks or a fork.
• Serve steaming hot with any seafood, meat, or chicken dish.
• Nutrition Information per Serving: 244 calories, 2 g total fat (0.2 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 197 mg sodium, 52 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 4 g protein.

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS BEEF AND NOODLES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add vermicelli noodles and cook until softened, 12 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water, stirring to separate the noodles. Set aside.
• Combine lemongrass, soy-based seasoning, sherry, brown sugar, and garlic in a bowl. Marinate flank steak in mixture, tossing evenly, and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make sweetened fish sauce. Pour warm water into a small bowl; add sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in fish sauce, Thai peppers, and garlic. Adjust to taste. Set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sliced flank steak until firm but slightly pink in the center, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Arrange cooked vermicelli noodles in bowls for serving. Place steak on top and garnish with Thai basil leaves, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Pour sweetened fish sauce over the top.

VIETNAMESE LEMON RICE

Steps:

• 1. Wash rice until water runs clear, then drain.
• 2. Mix rice, water, salt, and oil in a nonstick saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to very low, stir gently, cover tightly, and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• 3. Add lemon zest and juice and mix lightly with chopsticks or a fork.
• 4. To serve: Serve steaming hot with any seafood, meat, or chicken dish.
• 5. Nutrition Information per Serving: 244 calories, 2 g total fat (0.2 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 197 mg sodium, 52 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 4 g protein