Authentic Com Ga Xa Ot Recipe: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken & Rice

Ingredients

2 cups of jasmine rice
4 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup of chicken stock
2 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 red chillies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 bunch of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 bunch of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

Steps and instructions

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, but substitute half of the water with chicken stock for additional flavor.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, chopped chillies, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated in the mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the outside is golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to cool.
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Once the chicken has cooled, shred it using two forks.
To serve, divide the cooked rice among four plates. Top each plate with the shredded chicken, cooked onions, sliced cucumber, sliced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. Enjoy your Com Ga Xa Ot!

Tools for making

Cutting board - To chop and prepare the ingredients.
Knife - For cutting and slicing the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Large bowl - To marinate the chicken and mix the ingredients.
Frying pan - For cooking the chicken and onions.
Two forks - To shred the cooked chicken.
Plates - To serve the Com Ga Xa Ot.

Recipe variations

Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a healthier alternative.
Replace chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and tender meat.
Add sliced bell peppers or carrots to the stir-fried onions for extra crunch and color.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or soy sauce to the marinade for an umami boost.
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top for added texture and nuttiness.
Include sliced mushrooms or bamboo shoots in the stir-fry for additional depth of flavor.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chillies or add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce.
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic and chillies in the recipe.
Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil or lemongrass for a unique twist.

Recipe overview

Com Ga Xa Ot, or Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Chicken, is a flavorful and refreshing dish that's perfect for any time of the year. This recipe combines tender, marinated chicken breast with spicy chili and aromatic lemongrass, served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Coupled with the crispness of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, and a garnish of cilantro and mint, this dish boasts a vibrant medley of flavors that is both satisfying and healthy. The preparation is relatively simple and requires basic cooking skills, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or for when you're hosting guests. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer, but jasmine rice is traditionally used for Com Ga Xa Ot.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I substitute the fish sauce? Fish sauce adds a distinct flavor to the dish, but if you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Adjust the marinating and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe spicy? If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add more red chillies or even include some chilli flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
How long can I marinate the chicken? It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, but you can marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy Com Ga Xa Ot fresh, you can prepare the rice, marinate the chicken, and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Cook the chicken and assemble the dish just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp and versatile knife for cutting chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Large frying pan - Used to cook the marinated chicken breasts.
Large bowl - To marinate the chicken and toss it with the seasoning.
Two forks - For shredding the cooked chicken.
Plates - To serve the Com Ga Xa Ot dish.

Origin stories

Com Ga Xa Ot, or Lemongrass Chili Chicken, is a beloved dish hailing from the heart of Vietnam. It's a culinary testament to the country's love for fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold, aromatic flavors. This dish exemplifies the balance of flavors inherent to Vietnamese cuisine, with its spicy chilies, tangy lemongrass, and succulent chicken. Traditionally, it's served with a side of fragrant jasmine rice, exemplifying the country's reliance on this staple grain. As you journey through the bustling streets and winding alleyways of Vietnam, you'll likely catch a whiff of this dish being lovingly prepared in countless kitchens, a testament to its enduring popularity. A bite of Com Ga Xa Ot is like a journey through Vietnam, a celebration of its rich culinary traditions and the harmonious blend of flavors that define its 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.