Baby Corn with Lemongrass and Chili – Simple Recipe, Rich Flavor

Are you looking for a vegetarian dish that’s light yet full of flavor? Baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili is the perfect suggestion to add variety to your family meals. With an easy-to-follow recipe and familiar ingredients, this dish will provide a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare the delicious baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Baby corn: 300g (choose fresh, small, milky white kernels)
• Lemongrass: 3 stalks (large bulbs, strong aroma)
• Chili: 1-2 peppers (depending on your spice preference)
• Scallions: 2 stalks
• Seasonings: Vegetarian fish sauce (or regular fish sauce), sugar, cooking oil, vegetarian seasoning powder (or regular seasoning powder), ground black pepper

Ingredients for baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili

Preparing the Ingredients

Properly prepping the ingredients will help the dish achieve its perfect flavor:

• Baby corn: Wash thoroughly, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4cm).
• Lemongrass: Peel the outer layer, wash, and finely chop to enhance the aroma when sautéing.
• Chili: Wash, remove seeds if you prefer less heat, then finely chop.
• Scallions: Wash and finely chop for garnish and added flavor.

Making the Braising Sauce

The braising sauce plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s distinctive flavor. You can mix it according to the following recipe:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetarian fish sauce (or regular fish sauce)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• ½ tablespoon of vegetarian seasoning powder (or regular seasoning powder)
• ½ tablespoon of ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of water

Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.

How to make the braising sauce

Steps to Make Baby Corn Braised with Lemongrass and Chili

Step 1: Sauté Lemongrass and Chili

• Place a pot on the stove, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped lemongrass and chili and sauté until fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.

Step 2: Stir-Fry Baby Corn

• Add the baby corn to the pot, stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the baby corn is firm and absorbs the aroma of the lemongrass and chili.

Step 3: Braise Baby Corn

• Pour the prepared braising sauce into the pot, stir well to ensure the baby corn is evenly coated with the seasonings.
• Cover the pot, reduce to low heat, and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. Occasionally stir gently to prevent the baby corn from burning.
• Once the sauce thickens, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Finally, sprinkle the chopped scallions on top and turn off the heat.

Finished baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili

Tips for Enhancing the Dish

• Choose fresh baby corn: Fresh baby corn will have a natural sweetness and won’t be fibrous.
• Sauté lemongrass and chili thoroughly: Well-sautéed lemongrass and chili will make the dish more aromatic.
• Braise on low heat: Simmering gently helps the baby corn absorb the flavors evenly and prevents it from drying out.
• Add coconut water: For a sweeter taste, you can add a bit of fresh coconut water while braising.

Health Benefits of Baby Corn

Baby corn is not only delicious but also offers many health benefits:

• High in fiber: Supports efficient digestive system function.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Boosts the body’s immune system.
• Low in calories: Suitable for those on a diet or looking to lose weight.

Creative Variations for Baby Corn Braised with Lemongrass and Chili

You can get creative with the dish by adding other ingredients:

• Baby corn braised with lemongrass, chili, and mushrooms: Add straw or shiitake mushrooms for added flavor.
• Baby corn braised with lemongrass, chili, and tofu: Combine with fried tofu to add protein.
• Spicy baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili: Add more chili for a spicier kick, perfect for those who enjoy heat.

Conclusion

Baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili is a simple yet enticing dish, suitable for any family meal. With the rich flavors from lemongrass and chili, and the natural sweetness of baby corn, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone. Try this recipe and share your feedback!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can baby corn braised with lemongrass and chili be stored?
  The dish can be refrigerated for about 2-3 days.
• Can you use young sweet corn for braising?
  Absolutely. Young sweet corn is softer and sweeter, making it perfect for this dish.
• How do you prevent baby corn from drying out while braising?
  Braise on low heat and stir occasionally to maintain moisture.
• What can you substitute for vegetarian fish sauce?
  You can use soy sauce or vegetarian seasoning powder.
• Do you need to boil baby corn before braising?
  It’s not necessary. Braising directly helps the baby corn retain its natural sweetness.

References:

1. Culinary Expert Thanh Mai
2. Nutritionist Dr. Hoàng Anh
3. Chef Minh Đức