This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli Bowl is a vibrant, healthy chicken bowl perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. You’ll love how easily you can prepare this flavorful dish at home, making healthy eating delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: You can use chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Vermicelli Noodles: Brown rice vermicelli works well for a gluten-free alternative.
- Lemongrass: Fresh is best, but you can find frozen chopped lemongrass in Asian markets.
- Fish Sauce: Tamari or soy sauce can be used if you prefer a different flavor profile, but it won’t be authentically Vietnamese.
- Fresh Herbs: Adjust to your preference; basil and mint are great additions.
Ingredients:
For the Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons finely minced lemongrass (white part only)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Nuoc Cham (Dipping Sauce):
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Bowl Assembly:
- 8 oz dried vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves and cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, skillet, large pot
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine sliced chicken thighs with minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Nuoc Cham
Whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, warm water, minced garlic, and sliced chili (if using) in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set aside for serving.
3. Cook the Vermicelli Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until tender. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Lemongrass Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized. You might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Assemble Your Healthy Chicken Bowl
Divide the cooked vermicelli noodles among four serving bowls. Top with shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. Arrange a generous portion of the cooked lemongrass chicken over the vegetables.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your healthy chicken bowls with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh mint leaves, and cilantro. Drizzle generously with the prepared Nuoc Cham sauce just before eating.
Variation Ideas:
- Add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch.
- Include some pan-fried spring rolls as a side.
- Top with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried for a smoky flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover lemongrass chicken and prepared vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Nuoc Cham in a separate container. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble your bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
What if you don’t have fresh lemongrass?
You can use about 1 tablespoon of frozen minced lemongrass or a teaspoon of dried lemongrass paste.
How do you prevent the vermicelli noodles from clumping?
Rinsing them thoroughly with cold water immediately after draining helps prevent sticking.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness comes from the optional fresh chili in the Nuoc Cham, so you can adjust it to your preference or omit it entirely.
Can you make this a vegetarian meal?
You can substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian healthy bowl.
What other vegetables can you add?
Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or pickled daikon and carrot for more variety.