There’s something magical about the way fragrant lemongrass mingles with tender chicken in this beloved Vietnamese dish. Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken represents the perfect harmony of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and satisfying textures that define authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe brings together the soul-warming comfort of rice noodles with the bold, citrusy flavors of lemongrass-marinated chicken that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re seeking Vietnamese dinner ideas for a weeknight meal or planning an impressive dish for guests, this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a nutritious, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Best of all, most of the preparation can be done ahead of time, making it perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on authentic flavors.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Medium
- Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Estimated cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken
For the Lemongrass Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 stalks fresh lemongrass, tender white parts only, finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 Thai bird’s eye chili, minced (optional)
For the Noodle Bowl:
- 12 oz (340g) dried rice vermicelli noodles (bun)
- 2 cups mixed lettuce leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
For the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowl for marinating
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Large pot for cooking noodles
- Colander for draining
- Small saucepan for sauce
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, black pepper, turmeric, and minced chili if using. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well combined. The marinade should be fragrant and slightly thick.
Step 2: Marinate the Vietnamese Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the lemongrass marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer marination time allows the lemongrass flavors to penetrate the chicken, creating more authentic Vietnamese chicken flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Nuoc Cham Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Add fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chopped chilies. Stir well and set aside. This sauce is essential for authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Step 4: Cook the Rice Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to package directions, typically 3-4 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a colander to drain completely.
Step 5: Prepare Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
While noodles cook, prepare all fresh components. Wash and tear lettuce leaves, chop cilantro, and separate mint and Thai basil leaves. Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin matchsticks. Chop green onions and crush peanuts. Having everything prepared makes assembly quick and maintains the fresh quality essential to Vietnamese dinner ideas.
Step 6: Grill the Lemongrass Chicken
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The chicken should develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while remaining juicy inside, characteristic of authentic Vietnamese grilled chicken.
Step 7: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips if desired, or leave in chunks. The resting period helps redistribute juices throughout the meat, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 8: Assemble the Vietnamese Noodle Bowls
Divide the cooked rice noodles among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the Vietnamese lemongrass chicken. Arrange the prepared vegetables and fresh herbs attractively around and over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Essential Tips for Perfect Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken:
- Use only the tender white parts of lemongrass stalks – the tough green parts can be bitter and fibrous
- Don’t skip the marinating time – this is crucial for developing authentic Vietnamese chicken flavors
- Grill over medium-high heat to achieve the characteristic caramelized exterior without burning
- Prepare all vegetables just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch
Delicious Variations:
- Bun Xao Recipe Variation: Stir-fry the marinated chicken in a wok with vegetables for a different texture
- Protein Substitutions: Try this marinade with pork, beef, or tofu for variety
- Spice Level: Adjust chilies in both marinade and sauce to suit your heat preference
- Vegetable Additions: Include bean sprouts, pickled daikon, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Marinated chicken can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance
- Nuoc cham sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Cooked noodles can be stored covered for up to 2 days – rinse with warm water before serving
- Fresh herbs and vegetables should be prepared day-of for best quality
Perfect Pairings:
This Vietnamese noodle dish pairs beautifully with Vietnamese spring rolls, pickled vegetables, or a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee for dessert.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 1,240mg
This dish provides a excellent balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
The Art of Vietnamese Cooking
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and healthy cooking methods. This Vietnamese noodles with lemongrass chicken recipe exemplifies these principles perfectly. The dish combines the essential elements of Vietnamese cooking: the aromatic lemongrass that grows abundantly in Southeast Asia, the umami-rich fish sauce that forms the backbone of Vietnamese flavors, and the abundance of fresh herbs that provide both nutrition and vibrant taste.
Vietnamese chicken recipes like this one showcase the country’s mastery of marinades and grilling techniques. The lemongrass not only imparts its distinctive citrusy fragrance but also contains natural enzymes that help tenderize the meat. This traditional preparation method has been passed down through generations, representing the soul of authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken recipes.
The beauty of Vietnamese dishes lies in their interactive nature. Each diner can customize their bowl, choosing the perfect ratio of noodles, protein, vegetables, and herbs to suit their taste. This communal aspect of eating reflects the Vietnamese culture’s emphasis on sharing and togetherness.
Mastering the Nuoc Cham
No discussion of Vietnamese cuisine would be complete without highlighting nuoc cham, the ubiquitous dipping sauce that accompanies countless Vietnamese dinner ideas. This perfectly balanced sauce combines the fundamental Vietnamese flavors: salty (fish sauce), sweet (sugar), sour (lime juice), and spicy (chilies). The key to exceptional nuoc cham lies in achieving the right balance – it should taste bright and complex, not dominated by any single flavor.
Conclusion
This Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken recipe brings the vibrant, fresh flavors of Vietnam directly to your dinner table. The combination of perfectly marinated and grilled chicken, tender rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cooking or looking to expand your repertoire of Vietnamese chicken recipes, this dish offers an accessible introduction to authentic flavors.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious results, but in its versatility and make-ahead friendly nature. Once you master this Vietnamese lemongrass chicken preparation, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again for quick weeknight dinners and impressive entertaining.
We’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment below sharing your results, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful noodle bowls on social media – there’s nothing quite like a colorful Vietnamese meal to brighten up anyone’s feed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the lemongrass in this Vietnamese lemongrass chicken recipe? A: While fresh lemongrass provides the most authentic flavor, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of lemongrass paste or 1 tablespoon of dried lemongrass. However, the fresh version will give you the best results for this Vietnamese chicken dish.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a traditional bun xao recipe? A: Traditional bun xao typically involves stir-frying the ingredients together, while this recipe grills the chicken separately and serves it over noodles. Both are authentic Vietnamese dishes with slightly different textures and preparation methods.
Q: How spicy are Vietnamese dishes typically? A: Vietnamese cuisine generally balances heat with other flavors. This recipe is mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust the chili levels in both the marinade and sauce to suit your preference.
Q: Can I make Vietnamese grilled chicken without a grill? A: Absolutely! You can cook the marinated chicken in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, in the oven at 425°F, or even in an air fryer. The key is achieving that caramelized exterior.
Q: Are there other Vietnamese dinner ideas that use similar ingredients? A: Yes! You can use this lemongrass marinade for Vietnamese chicken banh mi, lettuce wraps, or served over rice instead of noodles. The versatility of Vietnamese chicken recipes makes them perfect for meal prep and variety.
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