Authentic Vietnamese Ga Xao La Lot (Chicken Stir Fry with Betel Leaf) Recipe

Ingredients

1 kilogram Chicken, boneless and cut into chunks
20 leaves of La Lot (Piper lolot)
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 Onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
3 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
1 tablespoon Sugar
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Red Chili Peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons Water

Steps and instructions

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine chicken chunks, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Add in the minced garlic and chopped red chili peppers to the pan and stir for 2 minutes.
Add in the marinated chicken to the pan, stir well so that chicken is coated with the onion, garlic, and chili mix. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
Lower the heat, cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Meanwhile, prepare the La Lot leaves. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry.
Add the La Lot leaves to the pan, mix well with the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
If the mixture is a bit dry, add water and stir well. Cook for another minute.
Take off the heat and serve the Ga Xao La Lot with a bowl of steamed rice.

Tools for making

Cutting Board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken and chopping vegetables.
Mixing Bowl - Used for marinating the chicken and combining ingredients.
Pan - A cooking vessel used to sauté and cook the chicken.
Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping the chicken while cooking.
Measuring Spoons - Needed to measure accurate amounts of oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
Small Bowl - Used to mix cornstarch with other marinade ingredients.
Tongs - Used to handle the La Lot leaves and turn them while cooking.

Recipe variations

Use beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Replace La Lot leaves with grape leaves or cabbage leaves.
Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional vegetables.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili peppers or add a spicy sauce like Sriracha.
Make it vegetarian by substituting tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
Experiment with different marinades such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Add herbs like mint or cilantro for a fresh twist.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, lightly fry the La Lot leaves before adding them to the dish.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of oyster sauce.
Replace the onion with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.

Recipe overview

Ga Xao La Lot is a delightful Vietnamese dish that is as flavorful as it is satisfying. This recipe features tender chunks of chicken cooked with fragrant La Lot leaves (Piper lolot), bringing an exotic and delicious flavor that is sure to excite your taste buds. The chicken is first marinated in a mix of sauces and spices, then sautéed with onions, garlic, and chili peppers for a spicy kick. The La Lot leaves are added at the end, lending their unique aroma to the dish. It's a relatively straightforward recipe that doesn't require a lot of prep time, but the end result is a flavorful, savory dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice. Whether you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or just looking to try something new, Ga Xao La Lot is a great option that is sure to please.

Common questions

Can I use beef instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef if you prefer. Cut the beef into thin strips and adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it is cooked through.
Where can I find La Lot leaves? La Lot leaves can be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty markets. If you're unable to find them, you can use grape leaves as a substitute.
Can I use a different sauce instead of oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a substitute. It will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken? Marinating the chicken helps to infuse it with flavor and make it tender. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step.
Can I make this recipe spicy? If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more red chili peppers or leave the seeds in. Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - A wide, deep pan for cooking the chicken and other ingredients.
Bowl - A bowl to marinate the chicken and mix the sauces and seasonings.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken and slicing the onion.
Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the chicken while cooking.
Tongs - Tongs to handle and flip the La Lot leaves while cooking.
Plate - A plate to serve the Ga Xao La Lot once it is cooked.
Bowls - Bowls for serving the dish with steamed rice.
Spoons - Spoons for serving and enjoying the Ga Xao La Lot.

Origin stories

Ga Xao La Lot, or Chicken stir-fried with Piper Lolot leaves, is a beloved dish hailing from the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam. La Lot leaves, known scientifically as Piper Lolot, have been a staple in Vietnamese cuisine for centuries. Their unique, peppery flavor lends a distinct character to the dishes they grace. Interestingly, these leaves are not just used for their flavor in cooking - they are also utilized in traditional Vietnamese medicine for their health properties. This demonstrates the Vietnamese people's deep connection with nature and their ability to harness the bounty of the earth in both their cuisine and their holistic wellness practices. The use of La Lot leaves in Ga Xao La Lot presents a delightful interplay of cultural tradition, natural resourcefulness, and culinary innovation, making each bite a taste of Vietnam's rich heritage.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.