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
Scale
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.
