Authentic Vietnamese Ga Kho Xa Ot Recipe: A Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Delight

Ingredients

1 kg chicken (cut into chunks)
2 lemongrass stalks (finely chopped)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3 bird's eye chilies (chopped)
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon caramel sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
1 cup jasmine rice (cooked as per instructions)

Steps and instructions

Start by seasoning the chicken with chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, chopped bird's eye chilies, fish sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper. Mix well and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Pour the caramel sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat all the pieces. Continue to cook the chicken on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the chicken over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken into chunks and chopping other ingredients.
Large pan - Used for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Spatula - Helps in stirring and flipping the chicken while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Required to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper.
Cooking spoon - Used for mixing and stirring the chicken and sauce.
Rice cooker - Used to cook the jasmine rice to serve with the chicken.

Recipe variations

Use pork or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots for added flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add additional chili flakes.
Replace the caramel sauce with honey or maple syrup for a slightly sweeter taste.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, or basil to customize the dish to your liking.
If you prefer a meat-free option, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of fish sauce, and ensure that the caramel sauce is gluten-free.
For a more vibrant presentation, garnish the dish with sliced fresh red chilies or spring onions.

Recipe overview

Ga Kho Xa Ot, also known as Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Chicken, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that's sure to spice up any mealtime. This dish, hailing from the culinary-rich country of Vietnam, infuses the tender chunks of chicken with the fragrant aroma of lemongrass and the fiery kick of bird's eye chilies. The addition of a sweet and savory caramel sauce heightens the flavors, resulting in a beautifully balanced dish. In this recipe, the chicken is marinated in a host of aromatic ingredients, then pan-seared to golden perfection before being simmered in caramel sauce. The final touch of fresh coriander leaves adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. This Ga Kho Xa Ot recipe is not only easy to follow, but also versatile. Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice for a satisfying main course, or pair it with a side salad for a lighter meal. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam right in your kitchen!

Common questions

Can I use a different meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even seafood like shrimp or squid as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.
Is there a substitute for lemongrass? If you don't have lemongrass, you can use lemon zest as a substitute. Use about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to replace one stalk of lemongrass in this recipe.
How spicy is this dish? The spiciness of this dish can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of bird's eye chilies or remove the seeds before chopping them. If you enjoy spicy food, you can add more chilies or even incorporate other spicy ingredients like red pepper flakes.
Can I make this in advance? Yes, you can make this dish in advance. The flavors tend to develop even more when the dish is allowed to sit for a while. Simply reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook the chicken and sauce.
Chopping board - You will need a chopping board to prepare the lemongrass, garlic, and chilies.
Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for cutting the chicken into chunks and finely chopping the lemongrass.
Mixing bowl - A mixing bowl is necessary for marinating the chicken with the seasonings.
Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula will be useful for stirring the chicken while cooking.
Serving plate - A serving plate is needed to present the Ga Kho Xa Ot dish.
Cooked jasmine rice - Serve the Ga Kho Xa Ot with a side of cooked jasmine rice.

Origin stories

Ga Kho Xa Ot, otherwise known as Lemongrass Chili Chicken, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its piquant flavors and fragrant aroma. Deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, this dish showcases the country's love for fresh herbs and spices. The use of lemongrass and bird's eye chilies, which are grown abundantly in Vietnam, has been passed down through generations in Vietnamese families. As is common in Vietnamese cuisine, the dish strikes a delicate balance between spicy, sour, sweet, and savory flavors - a hallmark of the nation's culinary expertise. What makes this dish extra special is the use of caramel sauce, a component not commonly associated with savory dishes in other parts of the world but is a key ingredient in many Vietnamese recipes, lending a subtle sweetness and rich color to the dish. This dish tells a story of Vietnamese history and culture with every bite.

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.