Caramelized Chicken with Lemongrass and Chilies (Ga Xao Sa Ot Cay)
A popular Vietnamese dish featuring caramelized chicken infused with lemongrass, red chilies, and a hint of fish sauce.
Time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 servings as part of a multicourse family-style meal
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs with skin, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 plump stalks lemongrass, trimmed, bruised, and minced (3/4 cup), divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced into crescents
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided (4 to 5 cloves)
- 3 red Thai chilies, cut into rounds
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1 Prepare Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, season chicken with salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 3 tablespoons minced lemongrass, toss to coat, and set aside.
2 Caramelize Sugar:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Add sugar and stir continuously.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until sugar clumps and melts into a syrup. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the syrup thickens into a caramel-brown liquid.
3 Cook Aromatics:
- Stir in remaining minced lemongrass, onion, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook until golden brown and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4 Cook Chicken:
- Add chicken to the skillet. Increase heat to high and cook, tossing in caramel sauce, for about 1 1/2 minutes.
- If needed, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to evenly coat chicken (be cautious as it may sputter).
5 Finish Dish:
- Add red chilies and cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in fish sauce and remaining garlic. Cook for another minute until chicken is cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
6 Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and green onions.
Notes:
- Chicken Thighs: Using thighs with skin adds flavor and juiciness to the dish.
- Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of red chilies according to your preference for heat.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with freshly steamed rice and a side dish like Sweet and Sour Fish Soup for a complete meal.
This caramelized chicken dish is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or as part of a larger family-style meal.