If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine with something absolutely bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, the Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances tender, aromatic chicken infused with lemongrass and garlic alongside refreshing vegetables and silky rice noodles, all tied together with a zesty lime finish. It’s like a little bowl of sunshine and comfort on your plate, guaranteed to impress both your taste buds and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials work harmoniously to create that unforgettable Vietnamese flair that makes this dish special.
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped: Adds a fragrant and citrusy note that lifts the entire dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that punch of savory depth you can’t resist.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Brings a warm, spicy kick without overpowering.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce: A salty, umami powerhouse essential to authentic Vietnamese flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory richness and a subtle earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the salt and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground to add gentle heat and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken golden and sautéing vegetables.
- 200 g rice vermicelli noodles: Soft, delicate noodles that soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned: Adds crunch and vibrant orange color.
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced: Refreshing coolness to contrast the warm chicken.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Brings a crisp freshness that lightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Herbaceous brightness that invigorates every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped: A refreshing twist that lifts the palate.
- 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed: Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: The perfect acidic punch to finish it off.
- Chili sauce (optional, for serving): For those who love a little extra heat on their plate.
How to Make Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated with this fragrant marinade. This step is key to infusing the chicken with those iconic Vietnamese flavors. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, let it marinate overnight if you can.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Vermicelli Noodles
While the chicken soaks up the marinade, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. These noodles cook quickly and have a light, tender texture that will soak up the juices beautifully. Drain once cooked and set aside so they’re ready when the chicken is done.
Step 3: Cook the Lemongrass Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, add the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken achieves a gorgeous golden brown crust and is cooked through. Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest briefly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces to retain all those juicy juices.
Step 4: Sauté the Carrots
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the julienned carrots and sauté for about two minutes, just until they soften slightly but maintain their crunch and bright color—this adds a wonderful texture contrast to the dish.
Step 5: Assemble Your Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Now for the fun part! Arrange a generous portion of the cooked rice noodles into each bowl. Layer on the sliced lemongrass chicken, sautéed carrots, fresh cucumber slices, crisp bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, and aromatic mint leaves. Then sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts over the top for that addictive crunch. This vibrant mix is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything to add brightness and a little zing. If you’re a fan of heat, drizzle some chili sauce on top or serve it on the side. Toss everything together gently to combine all the wonderful flavors and textures before digging in immediately—there’s nothing better than the freshness of this dish straight away.
How to Serve Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are essential to elevate this dish into a celebration of flavor. Crushed peanuts not only add a lovely crunch but also a nutty depth that complements the lemongrass chicken beautifully. And never skip the lime wedges—squeezing just the right amount of citrus awakens every ingredient on the plate.
Side Dishes
Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing side dishes such as a simple green papaya salad or pickled vegetables. A clear broth soup with fresh herbs can also balance the texture and temperature, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family meal, serve in big, colorful bowls with all ingredients laid out buffet-style for everyone to customize their own bowls. Alternatively, for a dinner party, individually plate the noodles and toppings with artistic drizzles of chili sauce and lime wedges for a stunning presentation that feels elegant yet inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe, store the chicken, noodles, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the textures and prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
Freezing
The cooked lemongrass chicken freezes well on its own if you want to save some for another meal. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags. However, avoid freezing the noodles and fresh vegetables to preserve their texture and freshness.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to prevent drying out. The noodles can be briefly dipped in hot water to separate and soften again, then combined with fresh veggies and herbs for a near-fresh dining experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If you choose breast, be mindful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is mild and bright, but you can easily add chili sauce or fresh sliced chilies to adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
Yes, by replacing chicken with tofu or mushrooms and swapping fish sauce for soy sauce or a vegetarian seasoning, you can enjoy a delicious meat-free version with all the flavors intact.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Rice vermicelli noodles are traditional and ideal for their delicate texture. You can usually find them in Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Although 30 minutes is enough to impart good flavor, marinating overnight will give you the best results with deeper, more intense aromatics in the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting yet exciting about the Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that feels thoughtful but comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to favorites, especially when you crave fresh, bold flavors wrapped in wonderfully tender chicken and vibrant noodles.
Print
Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Halal
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese dish featuring tender lemongrass-marinated chicken served over delicate rice vermicelli noodles, complemented by fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lime dressing. This recipe balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Noodles & Vegetables
- 200 g rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed
To Serve
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Chili sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing thinly.
- Sauté the Carrots: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Lightly sauté the julienned carrots for about 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Assemble the Bowl: Distribute the noodles evenly into bowls. Top with sliced lemongrass chicken, sautéed carrots, cucumber slices, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, mint leaves, and crushed peanuts.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze lime wedges over each bowl and add chili sauce if desired. Toss gently to combine all flavors and serve immediately for a fresh, aromatic meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for authentic Vietnamese taste.
- Adjust chili sauce to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Peanuts can be substituted with toasted cashews for a different crunch.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free.
