Aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry
This vibrant and flavorful dish is a delightful representation of Vietnamese cuisine. Tender chicken breast fillets are marinated in aromatic lemongrass and a hint of chili heat, then stir-fried to perfection. With the addition of roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness from sugar, this quick recipe brings a taste of Southeast Asia to your dining table. Served over fluffy steamed rice, it’s an easy and nutritious meal that can be adapted for gluten-free diets by simply using gluten-free fish sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peanut oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Chicken breast fillets
600 g (thinly sliced)
Long fresh red chili
1 (thinly sliced diagonally)
Lemongrass
2 stems (pale section only, finely chopped)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (gluten-free if needed)
Caster sugar or grated palm sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Green onions
3 (ends trimmed, thinly sliced diagonally)
Dry roasted salted peanuts
1/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
Steamed rice
to serve (none)
Instructions
1
Heat the peanut oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes for each batch or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3
Once browned, transfer the chicken to a large plate and set aside.
4
In the same wok, add the sliced chili and chopped lemongrass. Stir-fry for 1 minute or until fragrant.
5
Return the browned chicken to the wok and pour in the fish sauce and sugar. Add half of the sliced green onions and stir-fry for another minute, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
6
Divide the chicken mixture among four serving plates, garnishing with the remaining green onions and the coarsely chopped peanuts.
7
Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
15 g
Fat
18.75 g
Carbs
22.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Southeast Asian dish featuring thinly sliced chicken breast fillets stir-fried with aromatic lemongrass, chili, and fish sauce, finished with crunchy peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a certified gluten-free fish sauce to make the entire dish gluten-free.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this meal?
Each serving provides 22.5 g of protein.
What type of chicken is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe calls for 600 g of chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced.
How should I prepare the lemongrass?
Use only the pale section of the two lemongrass stems and chop them finely.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of peanut oil for its high smoke point and flavor.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Stir-fry the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per batch until it is browned and cooked through.
Why is the chicken cooked in batches?
Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding the wok, which ensures the chicken browns properly instead of steaming.
What gives the dish its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from 1 tablespoon of either caster sugar or grated palm sugar.
How much fish sauce is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fish sauce.
Is this stir-fry spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from one long fresh red chili that is thinly sliced.
What are the garnishes for this dish?
The dish is garnished with thinly sliced green onions and coarsely chopped dry roasted salted peanuts.
How many green onions do I need?
You will need 3 green onions, with the ends trimmed and sliced diagonally.
What should I serve this chicken with?
It is best served immediately over a bed of fluffy steamed rice.
What is the total fat content?
There are 15 g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
The dish contains 18.75 g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many lemongrass stems are required?
You will need 2 stems of lemongrass.
What type of peanuts are used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of dry roasted salted peanuts.
When do I add the chili and lemongrass to the wok?
Add them after browning the chicken and removing it from the wok; stir-fry them for about 1 minute until fragrant.
How should the chili be sliced?
The long fresh red chili should be thinly sliced diagonally.
Can I use palm sugar?
Yes, grated palm sugar is a great alternative to caster sugar in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a weeknight dinner due to its short cooking time.
What heat setting should I use for the wok?
The wok should be heated over high heat until the oil is shimmering.
When do I add the fish sauce and sugar?
Return the browned chicken to the wok and then pour in the fish sauce and sugar.
What part of the green onions is used?
Half of the sliced green onions are stir-fried with the chicken, while the other half is used as a garnish.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data indicates the fiber content is negligible or not specified.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the rice for serving.
Can I substitute the chicken breast?
While the recipe calls for breast fillets, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, though the nutritional values will change.