Authentic Vietnamese Chicken Salad: Goi Ga Recipe

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 bunch of coriander, chopped
1 bunch of mint, chopped
1/4 cup of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of water
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, crushed
2 tablespoons of fried shallots (optional)

Steps and instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they're done, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and let them cool.
While the chicken is cooling, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onion, cabbage, julienned carrot, chopped coriander, and mint.
Shred the cooled chicken into thin strips and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
Prepare the dressing by combining fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, minced garlic, and sliced red chili pepper in a separate bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with crushed roasted peanuts and optional fried shallots.
Serve Goi Ga immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping and slicing the vegetables and chicken.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Large bowl - To mix the vegetables, chicken, and dressing together.
Pan - Used to cook the chicken breasts.
Spatula - Helps in flipping and removing the chicken from the pan.
Measuring spoons - For accurate measurement of salt, black pepper, lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce.
Small bowl - To mix the dressing ingredients together.
Whisk or fork - Used to mix the dressing until the sugar is dissolved.
Serving dish - To present the Goi Ga salad.
Crushing tool - To crush the roasted peanuts.
Optional: Fried shallots - Can be used as a garnish for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe variations

Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or grilled tofu for a meat-free option.
Add sliced bell peppers or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
Include bean sprouts or sliced radishes for added texture.
For a spicy kick, add chopped Thai bird's eye chili or sriracha sauce to the dressing.
Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil or lemongrass to enhance the flavor profile.
Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian or vegan version.
For a unique twist, add some diced mango or pineapple to the salad.
Try using different types of cabbage such as Napa cabbage or red cabbage.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews for a nutty flavor.
For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar to the dressing.

Recipe overview

Goi Ga, a Vietnamese Chicken Salad, is a refreshing, healthy, and delicious dish that combines succulent shredded chicken with a vibrant mix of herbs and vegetables. This salad is dressed with a tangy, sweet, and spicy fish sauce dressing that brings all the flavors together, offering a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. This recipe requires simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, providing a satisfying meal that's perfect either as a light lunch or a dinner starter. By following this recipe, you can bring a taste of Vietnam right into your kitchen. Enjoy this Goi Ga as it is, or refrigerate it for a few hours to enhance the melding of flavors. Garnished with crushed peanuts and optional fried shallots, this salad is nothing short of a feast for your tastebuds.

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Can I substitute the fish sauce with any other ingredient?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe and provides a distinct flavor. It is best to use fish sauce, but if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari sauce.
Is it necessary to use both coriander and mint?
Using both coriander and mint adds freshness and enhances the flavors of the dish. However, if you don't have one of them, you can omit it or substitute with a different herb like basil.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make this salad in advance. It actually tastes better when the flavors have a chance to meld together. Just refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. However, keep in mind that the vegetables might become slightly softer over time.
What can I serve with Goi Ga?
Goi Ga is a refreshing dish that can be served as a standalone salad or as part of a larger meal. It pairs well with steamed rice or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to toss and combine the ingredients.
Pan - To cook the chicken breasts.
Knife - For slicing the onion, cabbage, and chicken.
Cutting Board - To safely chop and prepare the vegetables.
Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the salt, black pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
Whisk - To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Serving Dish - To present the Goi Ga salad.
Garnish Accessories - such as crushed roasted peanuts and optional fried shallots.

Origin stories

Goi Ga, a vibrant and refreshing chicken salad, has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of Vietnam. Its popularity has spread through every region, from bustling cities to serene countryside. Historically, it was a dish that thrived on simplicity and the availability of local ingredients. With the passage of time, the dish has evolved, but at its core, it continues to carry the essence of Vietnamese cuisine — a harmony of flavors and a celebration of fresh produce. The sharpness of the lime, the heat from the chili, the crunch of raw vegetables, all tied together with tender chicken, taking one's taste buds on a fascinating journey. It’s not just a salad, but a testament to Vietnamese love for balance in food, where each ingredient has its role, contributing to the overall symphony of flavors and textures. No wonder it has become one of the most beloved dishes, both within and beyond the borders of Vietnam.

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.