Delicious Vegan Lemongrass and Turmeric Braised Chicken

Vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken is a delightful vegetarian dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious, easy to prepare, and suitable for everyone. With the distinctive aroma of lemongrass, the vibrant color from turmeric, and the rich flavor of the braising sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your family. Let’s explore the detailed recipe for vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken in the article below.

Ingredients Needed for Vegan Lemongrass and Turmeric Braised Chicken

To create the perfect vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken, you need to prepare the following ingredients:

• Vegan chicken: 500g (preferably shredded or in pieces for added appeal)
• Lemongrass: 5 fresh stalks, with plenty of white parts
• Fresh turmeric: 1 small root (or substitute with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder if fresh turmeric is unavailable)
• Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Vegan seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
• Chili: 1-2 peppers (depending on your family’s spice preference)
• Shallots: 2 bulbs

Ingredients for vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken

Steps to Prepare Vegan Lemongrass and Turmeric Braised Chicken

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing each ingredient:

• Lemongrass: Peel off the outer layer, wash thoroughly, bruise, and cut into short segments.
• Fresh turmeric: Peel, wash, and pound or finely chop.
• Shallots: Peel, wash, and finely chop.
• Chili: Wash, remove the stems, and finely chop according to your desired level of spiciness.

2. Marinating the Vegan Chicken

Place the vegan chicken in a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vegan seasoning powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, half of the chopped lemongrass, and half of the pounded turmeric. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and marinate for about 15-20 minutes to allow the vegan chicken to absorb the flavors.

Marinating vegan chicken with seasonings

3. Braising the Vegan Chicken

• Sautéing lemongrass and turmeric: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot, then add the remaining lemongrass and turmeric to sauté until fragrant.
• Braising the vegan chicken: Add the marinated vegan chicken to the pot, stir-fry over medium heat until firm. Continue by adding the remaining soy sauce, sugar, vegan seasoning powder, and black pepper, then pour in about 100ml of water. Cover the pot and braise over low heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Finishing touches: Adjust the seasoning to taste, add chopped chili if you prefer it spicy, stir well, and then turn off the heat.

4. Completion and Presentation

Garnish the dish with finely chopped scallions or cilantro to enhance the flavor and color. Serve the vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken on a plate and enjoy it with hot rice.

Finished vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken

Tips for Perfect Vegan Lemongrass and Turmeric Braised Chicken

• Choose quality ingredients: Use high-quality vegan chicken and fresh turmeric to ensure the best flavor.
• Lightly fry the vegan chicken before braising: This is a small tip that helps the vegan chicken become firmer and absorb the flavors better.
• Add fresh coconut water: If you prefer a richer dish, you can add some fresh coconut water while braising.
• Braise over low heat: Adjust the heat to low to allow the vegan chicken to absorb the flavors evenly and for the braising sauce to become thick and smooth.

Advice from culinary expert Nguyen Thi Huong:
“Lightly frying the vegan chicken before braising not only enhances the flavor but also maintains the right texture of tenderness and firmness.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Lemongrass and Turmeric Braised Chicken

1. Can I substitute fresh turmeric with turmeric powder?
   You can use turmeric powder as a substitute, but reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon to avoid making the dish bitter.
2. What type of vegan chicken is best for braising with lemongrass and turmeric?
   Vegan chicken in shredded or piece form is the ideal choice as it easily absorbs flavors and mimics the texture of real chicken.
3. How long should I braise the vegan chicken?
   Braise for about 20-25 minutes or until the braising sauce thickens and the vegan chicken absorbs the flavors well.
4. How can I prevent the dish from becoming dry?
   Ensure you add enough water and maintain low heat throughout the braising process.
5. How do I store vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the dish can be consumed within 3-4 days.

Culinary expert Le Van Duc shares:
“Vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken is a simple vegetarian dish that offers a wonderful culinary experience thanks to the harmonious combination of lemongrass aroma, turmeric color, and the natural sweetness of vegan chicken.”

Conclusion

Vegan lemongrass and turmeric braised chicken is a nutritious and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that is perfect for family meals. With the detailed instructions above, you can easily prepare this dish at home. Take some time in the kitchen to showcase your cooking skills and bring delicious meals to your loved ones!

References:

• Vietnamese Vegetarian Cuisine – Vegetarian Cooking Guide
• Daily Vegetarian Dish Guide