Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Skewers
These Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Skewers are a delicious fusion of flavors that make for an exquisite summer gathering. The chicken, marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, is grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy bites that are perfect for sharing. These skewers are not only great as appetizers but also as a main dish. Serve them wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with vibrant garnishes for a fresh touch. Pair with a variety of dipping sauces for a delightful experience that your guests won't forget!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Scallions
4 (white part only, chopped fine)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons
Minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1 teaspoon
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Hot chili oil
1 tablespoon (or vegetable oil with a generous pinch of red pepper flakes)
Grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Ground chicken
2 lbs
Soy sauce
1/3 cup
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons
Grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons
Fish sauce
1 teaspoon
Hot chili-garlic sauce
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh herbs
as needed (such as scallions, cilantro, basil, or mint for garnish)
Lettuce leaves
as needed (for wrapping)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chopped scallions, lime juice, minced garlic, vegetable oil, sugar, soy sauce, hot chili oil (or alternative), grated ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2
Add the ground chicken to the mixture and gently combine, being cautious not to overmix.
3
With wet hands, shape the chicken mixture into sticks, approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch thick, using about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture per skewer.
4
Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5
For the dipping sauce, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, and hot chili-garlic sauce in a separate bowl. Set aside.
6
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
7
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, until the skewers are cooked through and have a nice char.
8
Serve the grilled chicken skewers warm with lettuce leaves for wrapping and your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Skewers?
They are a delicious fusion dish featuring ground chicken marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, grilled to perfection.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used is 2 lbs of ground chicken.
How long should the chicken skewers marinate?
The skewers should be refrigerated for 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What size should I shape the chicken mixture into?
Shape the mixture into sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
What heat setting should I use for the grill?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How long do the skewers take to cook?
They typically take 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
What is the best way to serve these skewers?
Serve them warm wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with dipping sauces and fresh herbs.
What can I use if I do not have hot chili oil?
You can substitute with vegetable oil and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes.
How should I handle the chicken mixture while shaping?
It is recommended to use wet hands to prevent the chicken mixture from sticking.
What ingredients are in the dipping sauce?
The sauce includes soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, and hot chili-garlic sauce.
Are these chicken skewers low-carb?
Yes, these skewers are tagged as a low-carb and healthy meal option.
What herbs are recommended for garnish?
You can use fresh scallions, cilantro, basil, or mint for a vibrant finish.
How much garlic is needed for the marinade?
The marinade requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Can I use lime juice for the dipping sauce?
The recipe calls for fresh lime juice in the marinade and fresh lemon juice in the dipping sauce.
What part of the scallion is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifies using only the white part of the scallions, chopped fine.
Is fish sauce used in the chicken mixture?
No, fish sauce is used specifically in the dipping sauce, not the chicken marinade.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
Vegetable oil is used to help bind the marinade ingredients.
How much ginger is required for the chicken?
The chicken mixture requires 2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are excellent as both appetizers and as a main dish.
Is there sugar in the chicken marinade?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is included in the marinade to balance the flavors.
Should I cover the chicken while it marinates?
Yes, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
What prevents the chicken from burning on the grill?
Turning the skewers occasionally ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
What gives the skewers a nice char?
Grilling over medium heat for 10-12 minutes creates a beautiful char while keeping the inside juicy.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 scallions, specifically the white parts.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite fusion of flavors perfect for summer gatherings.
Can I overmix the chicken?
The instructions advise being cautious not to overmix when combining the chicken with the herbs.
What is the heat source in the dipping sauce?
Hot chili-garlic sauce provides the heat for the dipping sauce.
How much soy sauce is in the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce uses 1/3 cup of soy sauce.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
The recipe contains soy sauce, which usually contains wheat, so it is not strictly gluten-free unless gluten-free soy sauce is used.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The skewers are done when they are cooked through, have a nice char, and reach a safe internal temperature.