Get ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to Vietnam with these tantalizing Lemongrass Chicken Skewers! Bursting with flavor and perfectly paired with a zesty Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, this dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy recipe that will impress your family and friends. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy the aromatic goodness of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, all while indulging in the fresh, zesty notes that make Vietnamese cuisine so irresistible. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to elevate your grilling game!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- For Nuoc Cham:
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 chili, sliced
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, and sugar to create a marinade for the chicken.
- Add chicken thigh cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat.
- While chicken marinates, prepare the Nuoc Cham sauce by whisking together fish sauce, water, sugar, fresh lime juice, and thinly sliced chili in a small bowl. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C).
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure uniform charring and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture.
- Serve hot chicken skewers with Nuoc Cham sauce on the side for dipping, accompanied by steamed rice or fresh herbs.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, marinating for a few hours or even overnight will intensify the flavors even more.
- Soak Your Skewers: Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling. This simple step prevents them from burning and ensures your skewers hold together beautifully.
- Perfect Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 204°C) to achieve that perfect char on your chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
- Even Cooking: When threading the chicken onto the skewers, leave a small space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and ensures that every bite is perfectly grilled.
- Rest Before Serving: After grilling, let the skewers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Customize Your Nuoc Cham: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in your Nuoc Cham sauce according to your taste. Add more lime for tanginess or extra chili for heat to make it your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
