Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts
Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts Recipe from Vietnam
Introduction
Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the fragrant aroma of lemon grass with the crunch of cashew nuts. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a light and healthy meal option.
History
This recipe is inspired by traditional Vietnamese cuisine, which often incorporates fresh herbs and spices to create bold and vibrant flavors. The combination of lemon grass and cashew nuts adds a unique twist to this classic dish.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup roasted, unsalted cashew nuts
- 2 small dried chillies
- 1 tbsp chopped lemon grass
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 shallots, cut in quarters
- 1 lb (454 g) lean, corn-fed chicken, sliced
- 0.5 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp nuoc mam sauce or light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp chicken stock or water
How to prepare
- Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the chilies. Then, prepare the garlic and add it to the pan along with the chicken slices, sugar, and Nuoc Mam sauces.
- Lastly, add the remaining ingredients and continue cooking.
Variations
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to slice the chicken thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to retain the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use peanuts or almonds instead of cashew nuts.
- Substitute lemon grass with lemon zest for a similar citrus flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts in a colorful bowl or plate for an eye-catching presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and sliced chili for added flair.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a light and refreshing salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 350 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 20g per serving
Saturated Fat: 3g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.
Alergens
Contains nuts (cashew nuts)
Summary
This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.
Summary
Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With the right balance of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a handwritten note tucked away in the corner of the book. It was a recipe for a dish that I had never heard of before, but it sounded delicious.
The note was written in a delicate script, and it described how to make the chicken dish step by step. It mentioned using fresh lemon grass, which intrigued me as I had never cooked with that ingredient before. The recipe also called for cashew nuts, which added a unique twist to the dish. I could almost taste the combination of flavors in my mind, and I knew I had to try making it.
I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients for the dish. I went to the local market and picked out the freshest chicken I could find, along with a bunch of fragrant lemon grass and a bag of crunchy cashew nuts. As I walked home from the market, I could already imagine the wonderful aroma that would fill my kitchen as I cooked.
When I got home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I chopped the lemon grass into thin slices and crushed it with the back of my knife to release its fragrant oils. The scent was intoxicating, and I knew that this dish was going to be something special.
I seasoned the chicken with a mixture of spices and marinated it with the lemon grass for a few hours. As the chicken absorbed the flavors, I toasted the cashew nuts in a dry pan until they were golden brown and fragrant. The smell of roasting nuts wafted through the air, adding to the anticipation of the meal to come.
When it was time to cook the chicken, I heated up a pan and added a splash of oil. The chicken sizzled as it hit the hot surface, and I could hear the sound of the lemon grass crackling. I cooked the chicken until it was golden brown and cooked through, then added the toasted cashew nuts on top.
As I plated the dish, I couldn't wait to taste it. The combination of flavors was incredible – the zesty lemon grass paired perfectly with the creamy cashew nuts, creating a dish that was both light and satisfying. I savored each bite, enjoying the complex flavors that danced on my tongue.
As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but think about the person who had originally written down this recipe. I imagined them cooking in their own kitchen, their hands moving deftly as they created this delicious dish. I felt a connection to them through the shared love of cooking, and I was grateful for the opportunity to try something new and exciting.
From that day on, Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just for a simple weeknight meal. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that hot summer day when I discovered the recipe and feel a sense of joy and gratitude for the culinary adventure it had brought me on.
Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering new recipes like this one is what keeps me inspired in the kitchen. I love the way that food can bring people together, and how a simple dish can evoke memories and emotions in a way that nothing else can. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from others and to share my own knowledge with those around me.
So the next time you're feeling curious or adventurous in the kitchen, I encourage you to try something new. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make, and the joy of cooking is always worth the effort. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a recipe as wonderful as Fresh Chicken with Lemon Grass and Cashew Nuts.
Categories
| Cashew Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Lemongrass Recipes | Vietnamese Meat Dishes | Vietnamese Recipes |