vietnamese chicken stir-fry with lemongrass and chili

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Seduction Meals is pleased to present the third of a six-part series: Vietnamese Splendor by Tastemaker and Trendsetter, Moshe Aeylon.

“This dish is soooo satisfying. The layers of flavors are robust and the applause will truly make you feel like an iron chef. Although super simple to prepare the results are restaurant quality. You can’t have enough of this savory sauce over your simple canvas “white rice”.

vietnamese_chicken_stir_fried.jpgChicken Stir-Fried with Lemongrass and Chile
Serves 4 to 6 with 2 or 3 other dishes
Recipe and Photo by Moshe Aeylon
Adapted from a recipe by Andrea Nguyen

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 pounds well-trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Madras curry powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1 or 2 Thai or Serrano chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into ¾ inch squares
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 3 or 4 sprigs cilantro, coarsely chopped

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, salt, sugar, curry powder, and fish sauce and turn several times to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes and for up to 1 hour.
  2. In a wok or large skillet heat the oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the shallot, chile, and lemongrass and stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken mixture and the bell pepper, quickly move them around to coat them with the aromatics, and then let the chicken cook, undisturbed, for about 1 minute, or until nicely seared. Using a spatula, flip the chicken pieces over and cook, undisturbed, for about 1 minute, or until nicely seared on the second side.
  4. Add the coconut milk, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. As the coconut milk reduces, it will simmer vigorously. The chicken is done when the coconut milk is barely visible; it may have even begun to render some of its oil.
  5. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with the cilantro, and serve immediately.