Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that's both quick and satisfying? Look no further than this authentic Lemongrass Chicken Stir-fry! This Thai-inspired dish bursts with the fragrant zest of lemongrass, the subtle sweetness of bell peppers, and the savory richness of chicken, all expertly balanced in a delightful sauce. Forget takeout – this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to your usual weeknight dinner. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices alone are enough to tantalize your taste buds.
Prepare to be transported to the bustling street markets of Thailand with every bite! This lemongrass chicken stir-fry is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients combined with a touch of culinary magic. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 3 pieces
- White peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chili: null
- Red and green guava seeds: 8
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- White soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Black soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 100ml
- Kaffir lime leaves: 5
- Cooking oil: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics
- Remove the skin and bones from the chicken thighs and cut the meat into pieces. Fry the chicken skin separately until the oil renders. Set aside the cooked chicken skin and cut chicken pieces.
- Pound 1 teaspoon of white peppercorns until fine.
- Chop 2 stalks of lemongrass and pound 3 cloves of garlic with the chili and guava seeds. Pound the garlic, chili, and guava seeds until finely mixed.
- Mix all pounded ingredients together.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Chicken and Sauce
- Heat up a pan and add the fried chicken skin. Add a little water and stir-fry until the oil comes out (low heat).
- Add the pounded stir-fry ingredients and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until about 50% cooked (medium heat).
- Add 100ml of water, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of white soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of black soy sauce. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Add the remaining lemongrass and 5 torn kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- This part of the chicken (thighs) is very tender and delicious.
- Use low heat to stir-fry the chicken skin initially.
- Serve immediately with hot rice for the best taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Where can I find lemongrass?
Most Asian grocery stores carry fresh lemongrass. You can sometimes find it in larger supermarkets in the produce section.
3. What if I don't have all the ingredients?
Feel free to omit or substitute ingredients based on what you have available. The core flavors will still shine through!
This lemongrass chicken stir-fry is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients elevated by vibrant Thai flavors. From its aromatic fragrance to its satisfying taste, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!