Authentic Com Ga Ba Buội Recipe: Vietnamese Chicken Rice Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 small ginger root
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 bunch fresh mint
  • 1 bunch fresh basil
  • 1 red onion
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 2 fresh limes
  • Pickled carrots and daikon radish for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the chicken thoroughly and place it in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until the chicken is submerged. Add 1 tsp of salt and a small piece of ginger to the water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 60 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  3. Peel and finely mince the ginger and garlic. In a separate pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic to the pot and stir until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the ginger and garlic. Stir continuously to coat the rice in the oil and to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add the turmeric powder and continue stirring until all the rice is evenly coated.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth to the pot with the rice. Stir well, then cover the pot. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
  6. While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Rinely chop the fresh herbs.
  7. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Once it is cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into small pieces.
  8. Prepare the fish sauce dressing by combining the fish sauce, the juice of the limes, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir well until the salt is dissolved.
  9. To serve, place a generous scoop of the yellow rice on a plate. Top with a portion of the shredded chicken, some sliced cucumber and red onion, and a handful of the fresh herbs. Drizzle with the fish sauce dressing and garnish with the pickled carrots and daikon radish. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the chicken
  • Separate pot - for cooking the rice
  • Cutting board - for chopping vegetables and herbs
  • Knife - for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and herbs
  • Measuring spoons - for measuring the fish sauce, salt, and pepper
  • Cooking oil - for sautéing the ginger and garlic
  • Stirring spoon - for stirring the rice and preventing it from sticking
  • Citrus juicer - for extracting juice from the limes
  • Plates - for serving the dish
  • Bowls - for holding the fish sauce dressing and pickled carrots and daikon radish

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for a quicker cooking time.
  • Replace jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
  • Add diced carrots and peas to the rice for extra color and flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken with lemongrass and lime juice before cooking for a citrusy twist.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
  • For a spicier version, add sliced Thai chili peppers to the fish sauce dressing.
  • Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.
  • Add sliced avocado for a creamy element.
  • Serve with a side of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like Thai basil or Vietnamese coriander.

Recipe overview

Com Ga Ba Buội is a vibrant Vietnamese dish known for its delicious blend of flavors and textures. This traditional recipe features tender, shredded chicken served over fragrant jasmine rice infused with turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Paired with a medley of fresh herbs, cucumber, red onion, and a tangy fish sauce dressing, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing. To top it off, a garnish of pickled carrots and daikon radish adds an extra burst of flavor. This recipe guides you through the process of making Com Ga Ba Buội at home, from cooking the chicken and rice to the final assembly. With its blend of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, this dish is a feast for the senses.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the chicken? The chicken should be simmered for about 60 minutes or until fully cooked.
  2. How long does it take to cook the rice? The rice should be cooked for about 20 minutes on low heat.
  3. What kind of rice should be used? Jasmine rice works best for this recipe.
  4. Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as tofu or shrimp if desired.
  5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind the cooking time may be longer.
  6. Can I substitute the fish sauce with something else? Fish sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, but if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can try using soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
  7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substituting the protein with plant-based alternatives.
  8. What can I serve with Com Ga Ba Buội? Com Ga Ba Buội is typically served with a side of pickled carrots and daikon radish, along with fresh herbs and sliced cucumber.
  9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it is best to serve Com Ga Ba Buội fresh, you can prepare the chicken, rice, and vegetables in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.
  10. How should I store any leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before enjoying.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Com Ga Ba Buoi, a delightful and aromatic dish, takes its origins from the charming town of Hoi An in Vietnam. The dish is named after Ba Buoi, a woman who started selling her special chicken rice from a street stall in the 1950s. Her recipe, which highlighted the simplicity and freshness of local ingredients, quickly gained popularity among locals and travelers alike. Over time, Ba Buoi's stall evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, carrying forward a culinary tradition that defines Hoi An's gastronomic landscape to this day. Thus, each plate of Com Ga Ba Buoi is not merely a meal, but a taste of history, tradition, and the enduring charm of Hoi An.

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.