Vietnamese Chicken Skewers: Experience the Authentic Flavors
Hey there, foodies! Today I bring you a recipe that is bursting with flavors and will transport your taste buds straight to Vietnam. This dish is called Vietnamese Chicken Skewers, and it is the perfect choice if you fancy an explosive and unique combination of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
These chicken skewers are marinated in a tantalizing blend of ingredients that includes lemongrass, fresh ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Oh boy, your taste buds must be dancing just at the thought of it! But this is not all; these skewers are then grilled to perfection until they acquire a nice char and juicy texture that will make your mouth water. Trust me; this recipe is so flavorful that it will knock your socks off!
As an experienced chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I can assure you that this recipe is authentic, easy-to-follow, and will amaze your guests or family for an unforgettable dinner experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in one of the best Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers out there. So gather your ingredients and let’s dive into making this remarkable dish together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up foodies! I am about to share with you a recipe that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure! If you are a fan of deliciously succulent chicken and crave the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, then this Vietnamese Chicken Skewers Recipe is a must-try for you!
Imagine tender, boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemongrass, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Infused with the sweetness of brown sugar and coated in sesame oil, this concoction will captivate your senses from the very first bite.
The caramelization from grilling these tasty skewers makes for a Vietnamese-style sticky chicken that melts in your mouth. Topped with some chopped cilantro and red onion, it’s hard to resist this dish.
But what’s more? This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or add in some spicy sriracha to give it an extra kick. Or if you prefer it mild, skip the spice and drizzle on some nuoc cham dipping sauce instead.
Whether it’s a weekend gathering or a weeknight dinner with the family – this Vietnamese Chicken Skewers Recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make Vietnamese-style grilled lemongrass chicken skewers part of your dinner repertoire because trust me; once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredient List
For this Vietnamese Chicken Skewers Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 stalks lemongrass, outer layer removed, finely chopped
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for marinade (plus extra for grilling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: If you cannot find lemongrass at your local store, you can substitute with a few teaspoons of lemon zest and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
For the skewers:
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least one hour to prevent burning)
For the dipping sauce:
- Nuoc Cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic and chili peppers.
Note: You can buy premade Nuoc Cham sauce if you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
To make these Vietnamese Chicken Skewers, here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into thin, even pieces so they cook through quickly on the grill. Don’t want to use chicken breasts? No problem! You can use boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients: lemongrass, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add your cut chicken pieces into the marinade and make sure they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to overnight. This allows the flavorful marinade to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill or Grill Pan
If you’re using an outdoor grill, heat it up to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on your stovetop, heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Don’t pack them too closely together on the skewers, as this will help them cook evenly. Discard any leftover marinade.
Step 6: Grill Your Skewers
Once your grill is ready, place your skewers on it and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through with some nice char marks.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove your skewers from the grill and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside nuoc cham, a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic and chilies. Enjoy your delicious homemade Vietnamese Chicken Skewers!
Substitutions and Variations
Alright, this is where I turn things up a notch! Let’s take a look at some of the substitutions and variations you can do for your Vietnamese Chicken Skewers.
First off, let’s talk chicken. While we’re using boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, you can certainly use other cuts of chicken like chicken thighs! They have a bit more fat and flavor, which will taste amazing on the grill.
If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, try using coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar. This will give you a similar level of sweetness and even add a unique flavor profile to your dish.
For the marinade, you can replace fish sauce with soy sauce if you prefer but keep in mind that it might change the taste slightly. You can also swap out the fresh lemongrass with dried and add more ginger instead!
If you don’t have access to some of the specific ingredients listed in this recipe, don’t sweat it. Try substituting rice wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lime juice with orange juice! Most ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items so make do with what you’ve got!
Lastly, for those who want to add some kick to their Vietnamese Chicken Skewers, mix in some chili paste or hot sauce into your dipping sauce (nuoc cham)! This will give it that spicy touch while keeping its traditional tangy taste.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combos! Remember that cooking is all about creativity, so make it work for you.
Serving and Pairing
Alright, so you’ve got your Vietnamese Chicken Skewers all fired up and cooked to perfection – but what’s the best way to serve them? Honestly, these skewers are so versatile that you can pair them with pretty much any side dish you like, be it a fresh salad, sautéed vegetables or even some good old grilled corn on the cob.
Now, if you want to go full-on Vietnamese style with this meal, then I’d recommend serving your skewers with some steaming hot rice and a side of Nuoc Cham dipping sauce. This dip is a classic Vietnamese condiment made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic and chili. It’s sweet, sour, salty and spicy – all at once. The vibrant flavors in the Nuoc Cham complement the lemongrass chicken perfectly and adds a burst of freshness to the meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different from the usual rice pairing, then go ahead and try something innovative like quinoa or couscous. They make for an excellent alternative to rice plus they add an interesting texture and flavor to this dish.
For drinks, I recommend keeping it simple yet refreshing – try pairing your skewers with some cold beer or iced tea. Alternatively, you could experiment by mixing up some traditional Vietnamese beverages like Ca Phe Sua Da coffee or Sinh To Bo (Vietnamese avocado shake).
Overall, pairing your Vietnamese Chicken Skewers is super convenient because of its adaptability. You can always mix and match different side dishes depending on your liking. So go ahead and get creative with these lemongrass chicken skewers – they’re sure to be a hit no matter how you choose to serve them!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up folks, I know that sometimes time can be your enemy when it comes to cooking, but don’t worry because with this Vietnamese Chicken Skewers recipe, you can make things easier for yourself. Here are some tips on how to make-ahead, store and reheat those delicious skewers so you can still enjoy them even if you’re pressed for time.
Firstly, let me tell you that these chicken skewers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. You can marinate the chicken and make the skewers 1-2 days ahead of time, which gives the meat plenty of time to soak up all of those delicious flavors. But don’t forget to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil so the flavors don’t escape.
When it comes to storing leftover cooked chicken skewers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to let them cool down completely before storing, and don’t forget to label the container with the date so you know when they need to be used by.
Now let’s talk about reheating those delicious skewers. If refrigerated, take them out from the fridge at least an hour before reheating to let them come up to room temperature. Reheating them directly in a microwave is not recommended as it may ruin their texture and flavor. Instead, I highly recommend using an oven or grill to reheat these chicken skewers as it will help retain their flavors and juicy texture.
If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (177°C), place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper then bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re hot all the way through. If grilling is more your style, brush the skewers gently with some oil then grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently.
Remember that reheating will only work for cooked chicken skewers. Never attempt to reheat raw or undercooked meat as it may cause foodborne illnesses.
That’s it! You’re all set to enjoy some delicious Vietnamese Chicken Skewers, anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
Alright, my fellow foodies. If you’re gearing up to make this delicious Vietnamese lemongrass chicken skewers recipe, I’ve got some tips for you. Trust me, these pointers will take your recipe to the next level and give you perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful chicken every time.
Tip #1: Marinate the Chicken Overnight
One of the keys to tender and juicy chicken is marinating it overnight. Vietnamese lemongrass chicken gets its distinctive flavor from a combination of fresh lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. Soaking the chicken in this marinade overnight allows it to fully absorb all those flavors and tenderize the meat.
Tip #2: Soak Skewers in Water Before Use
This is a simple but important tip. Soak your wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour before using them. This will prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Tip #3: Let the Chicken Rest after Cooking
Once your chicken skewers are cooked, resist the urge to dive right in! Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Tip #4: Consider Using Dark Meat
While boneless skinless chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, don’t be afraid to use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead. The dark meat is more flavorful and has a slightly more tender texture than white meat.
Tip #5: Serve with a Delicious Dipping Sauce
My favorite dipping sauce for these Vietnamese lemongrass chicken skewers is nuoc cham – a sweet, sour and spicy sauce that’s perfect for dipping. But feel free to get creative with your dipping sauces – try peanut sauce or caramel sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
There you have it; follow these tips for perfect results every time you make these Vietnamese lemongrass chicken skewers. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your family and friends!
Bottom Line
this recipe article with a persuasive text, written in the style of Gary Vaynerchuk:
Friends, if you’re a fan of bold and flavorful Asian cuisine, then you have to try this Vietnamese Chicken Skewers recipe. It’s packed with aromatic herbs and spices like fresh lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro. And don’t forget about that rich Vietnamese-style sticky sauce that’s bursting with fiery flavors of sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce.
Trust me when I say that this dish will become an instant favorite at your dinner table. Your taste buds will thank you for such an explosion of flavors and textures that these skewers offer. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Those boneless chicken breasts or thighs are marinated to perfection in an aromatic mixture of fresh lemongrass and spices. Then they’re threaded onto skewers and grilled until they’re juicy, tender, and lightly charred around the edges.
But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have the nuoc cham dipping sauce to take these wickedly delicious skewers over the top. This sauce is tangy, savory, and packed with citrusy flavors that perfectly complement the chicken skewers’ flavors.
So if you want to spice up your dinner menu with a dish that’s boldly flavorful and aromatic to your taste buds’ max capacity, these Vietnamese Chicken Skewers are undoubtedly the way forward!
Vietnamese Chicken Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red onion, minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, inner leaves only, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, split, seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 lime, juice of
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Combine the garlic, onion, lemongrass, ginger, peppers, cilantro, fish sauce, sugar, and lime in a saucepan.
- Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat, then take off the stove and cool.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the chicken into the marinade and let it marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Skewer the chicken cubes and grill them for 3 to 4 minutes a side, until they're firm and lightly charred.