Authentic Bun Ga Xao Xa Ot: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
2 red chillies, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Steamed jasmine rice for serving

Steps and instructions

Marinate the chicken slices with fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sliced lemongrass, turmeric powder, and chopped chillies. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the marinated chicken to the heated pan and stir-fry until it is fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Season the mixture with salt to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Serve the stir-fried chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice on the side.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for slicing the chicken and vegetables.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken, onions, and bell peppers.
Pan - Needed for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, and turmeric powder.
Spatula - Helps in stirring and flipping the chicken and vegetables while cooking.
Garlic mincer - Useful for mincing the garlic cloves.
Cooking oil brush - Optional, for brushing oil on the pan if needed.
Plate - Used for marinating the chicken and arranging the cooked dish.
Serving platter - To present the final dish before serving.

Recipe variations

Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version.
Add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Include other herbs and spices like basil, mint, or ginger for additional flavor.
Make it spicier by adding more red chillies or chili flakes.
Use coconut milk instead of vegetable oil for a richer and creamier sauce.
Experiment with different types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles instead of serving with rice.
Add a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of soy sauce for an extra tangy or savory taste.
Garnish with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness.

Recipe overview

Bun Ga Xao Xa Ot is a flavorful Vietnamese dish that will surely add a delicious twist to your regular meals. This recipe features thinly sliced chicken breast stir-fried with lemongrass, chillies, onion, and bell pepper, resulting in a spicy and fragrant stir-fry. It's then served with hot, steamed jasmine rice. The marinade for the chicken includes fish sauce and turmeric, two traditional Vietnamese ingredients that give the dish its unique flavor. The whole process can be completed in just under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether you are new to Vietnamese cooking or looking to try something different, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you in creating a wonderful dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Can I substitute lemongrass with something else?
If you cannot find lemongrass, you can use grated lemon zest as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
If you prefer less spiciness, you can reduce the amount of red chillies or remove the seeds and membrane before chopping them.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize it to your liking.
How can I make the dish more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of soy sauce while stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it is best to serve the dish immediately, you can prepare the marinated chicken and chop the vegetables in advance to save time. Stir-fry everything together just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting surface for slicing the chicken and vegetables.
Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Wok or Large Pan - A wok or large pan for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
Kitchen Tongs - Tongs for flipping and stirring the chicken and vegetables while cooking.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring and scraping the ingredients in the pan.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the fish sauce, sugar, and turmeric powder.
Plate - A plate for serving the cooked Bun Ga Xao Xa Ot.
Serving Bowls - Bowls for serving the steamed jasmine rice.

Origin stories

Bun Ga Xao Xa Ot is a delightful dish hailing from the vibrant streets of Vietnam. It's a testament to the country's love for flavors that dance between sweet, sour, and spicy - a true culinary waltz uniting diverse ingredients. A key player in this symphony of flavors is lemongrass, a common herb in Vietnamese cuisine, used not only for its unique citrusy undertones but also for its traditional medicinal properties. While this dish is typically served with jasmine rice in western adaptations, in Vietnam, it's often enjoyed with a side of vermicelli noodles. Interestingly, the name "Bun Ga Xao Xa Ot" literally translates to "lemongrass and chili stir-fried chicken," an apt description for a dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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