Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Chicken (Ga Xao Xa Ot) Recipe

Ingredients

1 kilogram of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 bird's eye chilies, chopped
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Handful of cilantro leaves for garnish
Steamed rice for serving

Steps and instructions

Prepare your ingredients: Make sure your chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, chop the lemongrass, mince the garlic, chop the onion, chop the bird's eye chilies, and set all these aside.
Combine the chicken, chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, chopped bird's eye chilies, fish sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
Add the marinated chicken mixture to the wok. Stir fry until the chicken is fully cooked. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with the cilantro leaves.
Finally, serve the Ga Xao Xa Ot hot with steamed rice on the side.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping the ingredients and preparing the chicken.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken and chopping the lemongrass, garlic, onion, and chilies.
Large bowl - Used for marinating the chicken and mixing the ingredients.
Wok or large frying pan - Needed for stir frying the chicken.
Spatula or tongs - Used for flipping and stirring the chicken while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Required to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper.
Plates and serving dish - For serving and presenting the Ga Xao Xa Ot.

Recipe variations

Substitute chicken with beef or shrimp for a different protein option.
Replace lemongrass with lime zest for a citrusy twist.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce instead.
Increase the spiciness by adding more bird's eye chilies or include a dash of chili flakes.
Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce for a richer flavor.
Include thinly sliced carrots or water chestnuts for extra texture.
For a gluten-free option, replace the regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Experiment with different herbs like Thai basil or mint for a unique flavor profile.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this Ga Xao Xa Ot recipe. A classic chicken stir-fry dish, Ga Xao Xa Ot is aromatic and spicy, featuring the unique blend of lemongrass and bird's eye chilies. This flavorful combination, along with garlic, onion, and fish sauce, gives the chicken a tangy, savory, and spicy kick that will light up your taste buds. Following our step-by-step instructions, you will marinate the chicken in a concoction of these aromatic ingredients, then sauté it to perfection. The final touch of fresh cilantro leaves adds an extra layer of freshness and color to the dish. Served hot with steamed rice, this dish makes a satisfying main course for any meal. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Vietnamese cooking. Let's get started!

Common questions

How long does it take to marinate the chicken? The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or your choice of meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I adjust the spiciness level? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of bird's eye chilies or omit them entirely. Alternatively, if you want it spicier, you can add more chilies according to your taste.
What can I serve this dish with? Ga Xao Xa Ot is traditionally served with steamed rice. You can also pair it with noodles or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok - A large, round-bottomed cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir frying the Ga Xao Xa Ot.
Frying pan - A flat-bottomed pan with low sides, suitable for sautéing the onions and cooking the chicken.
Chopping board - Used for chopping the lemongrass, onion, and bird's eye chilies.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.
Mixing bowl - Used to combine the chicken with the marinade ingredients.
Serving dish - A dish or platter to present and serve the finished Ga Xao Xa Ot.
Tongs or spatula - Utensils for stirring and flipping the chicken and onion while cooking.
Garnish platter - Optional, for displaying the cilantro leaves before garnishing the dish.

Origin stories

Straight from the heart of Vietnam, Ga Xao Xa Ot is a vibrant dish that tantalizes the palate with the refreshing zest of lemongrass and the fiery kick of bird's eye chilies. It's a dish that showcases the Vietnamese love for contrasting flavors - the mild sweetness of caramelized onions, the umami punch of fish sauce, and the fragrant aroma of cilantro leaves. The use of lemongrass is particularly telling of the Vietnamese culinary tradition. This humble herb, which grows abundantly in the tropical climate of Vietnam, lends a citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating an indulgent yet balanced dish. Ga Xao Xa Ot stands as a testament to the Vietnamese philosophy of yin and yang in food, where contrasting elements come together to form a harmonious whole. The result is a symphony of flavors that sings on the tongue, a dance of sweet and savory, of heat and refreshment. It's the kind of meal that brings families together, that creates memories around the dining table, that speaks of home, 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.