Authentic Vietnamese Cà Ri Gà (Chicken Curry) Recipe

Ingredients

1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons Cà Ri Gà powder
400 ml coconut milk
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Coriander leaves for garnish
Steamed jasmine rice for serving

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Add the Cà Ri Gà powder to the pot and stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Pour the coconut milk into the pot and stir well to mix with the other ingredients.
Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot, followed by the salt, sugar, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Turn off the heat.
Serve the Cà Ri Gà hot, garnished with coriander leaves and accompanied by steamed jasmine rice.

Tools for making

Large pot - Needed for cooking the curry.
Vegetable peeler - Used for peeling the potatoes and carrots.
Knife - Required for cutting the chicken into pieces and chopping the onions.
Cutting board - To provide a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the curry while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Required for accurate measurement of salt, sugar, and spices.
Lid - Needed to cover the pot while simmering the curry.

Recipe variations

Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken pieces.
Add diced bell peppers or green beans for additional vegetables.
Replace the Cà Ri Gà powder with homemade curry paste for a more intense flavor.
Substitute coconut milk with coconut cream for a richer and creamier sauce.
Add a tablespoon of fish sauce or soy sauce for an extra savory taste.
Include a teaspoon of turmeric powder to add a vibrant yellow color to the dish.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy and nutty twist.
Include pineapple chunks or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or crushed peanuts for added texture.

Recipe overview

Cà Ri Gà, or Vietnamese Chicken Curry, is a comforting and fragrant dish, perfect for a family dinner or a hearty meal with friends. This recipe is a blend of tender chicken, flavorful spices, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious vegetables, all cooked together to create a delightful culinary experience. Its enticing aroma and bold flavors will transport your taste buds to the heart of Vietnam. The dish is typically paired with steamed jasmine rice, which complements the rich curry wonderfully. Expect a satisfying and savory dish that's not too spicy but packed full of taste. Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or looking to try something new, this Cà Ri Gà recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this recipe. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.
Can I use other vegetables instead of potatoes and carrots?
Yes, you can customize the vegetable selection according to your preference. Some common alternatives include bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
What can I substitute for Cà Ri Gà powder?
If you don't have Cà Ri Gà powder, you can use curry powder as a substitute. However, the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Cà Ri Gà by substituting chicken with tofu or your choice of vegetarian protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base.
How can I make the curry spicier?
If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the dish while cooking. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of heat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - For cooking the curry and simmering the ingredients.
Vegetable peeler - For peeling the potatoes and carrots.
Knife - For cutting the chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, potatoes, and carrots.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the ingredients.
Stirring spoon - For mixing and stirring the ingredients in the pot.
Lid - To cover the pot while simmering the curry.
Serving bowls - To serve the Cà Ri Gà.
Garnishing spoon - For sprinkling coriander leaves over the curry as a garnish.
Rice cooker or pot - For cooking the jasmine rice to serve with the curry.

Origin stories

Cà Ri Gà, a delightful chicken curry hailing from Vietnam, embraces the country's love for vibrant, fresh flavors and its historical influences. The dish is a sublime fusion of Vietnamese and Indian food culture, an echo of the Champa Kingdom, an Indianized kingdom that ruled over central and southern Vietnam for over 1500 years. The kingdom left an indelible influence on the Vietnamese cuisine, and Cà Ri Gà is one of the most delicious outcomes of this cultural melding. Reminiscent of the bustling markets of Hoi An and the aromatic food stalls of Saigon, this curry with its humble yet flavorful ingredients tells a tale of a time when cultures melted and merged, giving us a dish as profound and complex as the history of the land itself. Enjoy a bowl of Cà Ri Gà and let it transport you to the narrow lanes of old Vietnam, where every corner has a story to tell.

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.