Authentic Com Ga Hai Nam: Vietnamese Chicken Rice Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, approximately 4-5 lbs
  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 2 sprigs of cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by cleaning the chicken and putting it in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring it to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 50 minutes.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set it aside to dry.
  3. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic until it's golden brown. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent.
  4. Add the rinsed and dried rice to the pan and stir it around to coat it in the oil and garlic. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Take the cooked chicken out of the pot and set it aside to cool. Remove the ginger from the pot and discard it. Pour the remaining chicken broth through a strainer to remove any impurities. Add the fish sauce, salt, and sugar to the strained broth and stir well.
  6. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, debone it and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the shredded chicken with sesame oil and sprinkle the chopped spring onions on top.
  7. Plate the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and slices of cucumber. Pour the broth into small bowls and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top.
  8. Serve the Com Ga Hai Nam hot with the broth on the side. Add a squeeze of lime juice to the broth just before eating.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a healthier option.
  • Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice for added texture and flavor.
  • Try using different types of broth, such as vegetable broth or mushroom broth, for a unique twist.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, star anise, or cinnamon, to add depth to the broth.
  • Add a dollop of spicy chili sauce or sriracha to the broth for those who enjoy some heat.
  • Garnish the dish with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for extra crunch.
  • Serve the Com Ga Hai Nam with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.

Recipe overview

Com Ga Hai Nam, or Hainanese Chicken Rice, is a popular dish originating from Hainan province in China and has become a culinary staple in many Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam. This delicious and comforting dish features tender, succulent chicken served alongside flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth, and a side of fresh cucumber slices. The chicken is first simmered to make a rich broth which is then used to cook the rice, giving it a wonderful depth of flavor. The chicken is deboned, shredded and then drizzled with sesame oil for a mouth-watering aroma, while the broth is served alongside to enhance the overall taste. The dish is usually garnished with cilantro and spring onions for an added layer of freshness, and a squeeze of lime juice just before eating adds a perfect tangy twist to the savory broth. This recipe will guide you step by step on how to prepare this homey and hearty dish. It's perfect for a family meal and is sure to impress your family and friends with its wonderful balance of flavors. Enjoy the process of making Com Ga Hai Nam, as it's just as enjoyable as eating it!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice?
    Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with other types of long-grain rice, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor of the dish.
  2. Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth?
    Yes, you can use chicken stock instead of chicken broth. However, the flavor may vary slightly.
  3. Can I use a different meat instead of chicken?
    Traditionally, Com Ga Hai Nam is made with chicken. However, you can experiment with other meats like turkey or duck if you prefer.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. You can also add tofu or other plant-based protein alternatives.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    The main ingredients of Com Ga Hai Nam are naturally gluten-free. However, ensure that the chicken broth and fish sauce you use are gluten-free brands.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling the chicken
  • Strainer - Used for straining the chicken broth
  • Pan - Used for sautéing the garlic and onion, and cooking the rice
  • Knife - Used for deboning and shredding the chicken
  • Chopping board - Used for cutting and preparing ingredients
  • Serving bowls - Used for serving the broth
  • Serving plates - Used for serving the cooked rice and shredded chicken
  • Ladle - Used for serving the broth
  • Serving spoons - Used for serving the rice and shredded chicken
  • Cucumber slicer - Optional tool for slicing the cucumber

Origin stories

Com Ga Hai Nam, or Hainanese Chicken Rice as it is more commonly known outside of Vietnam, is a dish of Chinese origin. It's a delightful culinary tale of migration and adaptation. The dish originally hails from Hainan province in Southern China, loved for its tender poached chicken and flavorful rice. As Chinese immigrants moved across Asia, they brought this beloved recipe with them. When reaching Vietnam, the dish was embraced and localised, becoming a national favorite. Each region added its own twist and in Hanoi, the chicken in the dish is shredded rather than chopped, the broth is served separate and clear, and the plate is completed with fresh herbs, pickled cucumber, and a spicy fish sauce. It's a fine example of the magic that can happen when food traditions migrate and morph, becoming a comforting staple that transcends borders and cultures.

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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