Delicious Lemongrass and Chili Fried Chicken Recipe

On chilly or rainy days, nothing beats the comfort of a hot, aromatic plate of lemongrass and chili fried chicken. With its spicy kick from the chilies, the fragrant lemongrass, and the crispy chicken skin, this dish is sure to captivate your family. Let’s explore the simple yet enticing recipe for lemongrass and chili fried chicken in the article below.

1. Basic Guide to Making Lemongrass and Chili Fried Chicken

Ingredients Needed

• 1kg chicken wings/thighs or breast (depending on preference)
• 5 lemongrass stalks
• 1 fresh chili
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 200ml cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Other seasonings: white sugar, seasoning powder, chicken stock powder, monosodium glutamate

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preparing chicken with lemongrass and chili
Preparing chicken and lemongrass and chili before cooking

• Rinse the lemongrass, remove any wilted leaves, and finely chop the white part.
• Rinse the chili, remove the stem, and finely chop.
• Rinse the chicken, rub it with coarse salt and crushed ginger to remove any gamey smell, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Boil water on the stove, blanch the chicken for about 3 minutes, then remove and let it drain.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Marinate the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of monosodium glutamate, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of the chopped lemongrass and chili mixture.
• Mix well and add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch, mixing again to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken with Lemongrass and Chili

Hot lemongrass and chili fried chicken
Crispy and golden lemongrass and chili fried chicken

• Heat 200ml of cooking oil in a pan, and when the oil is hot, add the chicken and fry until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Continue by adding the lemongrass, chili, and shallots to the pan, stir-frying until fragrant, then add the fried chicken back in.
• Fry for an additional 5 minutes, adjust the seasoning to taste, then turn off the heat.

The hot lemongrass and chili fried chicken, with its distinctive aroma of lemongrass and the spicy kick of chili, will make your family meals more appealing.

2. Variations of the Lemongrass and Chili Fried Chicken Recipe

2.1. Lemongrass, Chili, and Garlic Fried Chicken

If you love the rich flavor of garlic, try adding it to your lemongrass and chili fried chicken. The dish will not only be more delicious but also more enticing with the alluring aroma of fried garlic.

Ingredients Needed

• 500g chicken meat
• 4 lemongrass stalks
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 chili
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or tempura flour)
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 100ml cooking oil
• Common seasonings: chicken stock powder, monosodium glutamate, sugar

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Follow the same steps as the basic lemongrass and chili fried chicken recipe.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken with ½ tablespoon chicken stock powder, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, ½ teaspoon monosodium glutamate, ½ teaspoon sugar, ⅓ of the chopped lemongrass, and ½ of the chopped garlic. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes. Then add the cornstarch and mix well.
3. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken until golden on both sides, then remove to a plate. Continue by frying the mixture of lemongrass, garlic, and chopped chili until fragrant, then pour over the chicken.

Frying chicken in deep oil
Frying chicken in deep oil for a crispy crust

2.2. Lemongrass and Chili Fried Chicken with Kaffir Lime Leaves

Combining lemongrass and chili fried chicken with kaffir lime leaves is a great idea. The crispy fried kaffir lime leaves add a unique flavor and enhance the dish’s appeal.

Ingredients Needed

• 1kg chicken wings/thighs or breast
• 5 lemongrass stalks
• 1 fresh chili
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 200ml cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Other seasonings: white sugar, seasoning powder, chicken stock powder, monosodium glutamate
• 10 fresh kaffir lime leaves

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Follow the same steps as the basic lemongrass and chili fried chicken recipe.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken with the seasonings as in the basic recipe, adding 5 finely shredded kaffir lime leaves to the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken until golden, then remove to a plate. Continue frying the remaining lemongrass, chili, and kaffir lime leaves for 45 seconds until crispy. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.

Chicken served with crispy fried kaffir lime leaves
Crispy fried kaffir lime leaves add a special touch to the dish

3. Conclusion

With this simple and easy-to-follow recipe for lemongrass and chili fried chicken, you can prepare a delicious and appealing dish to treat your family. Try out variations like lemongrass, chili, and garlic fried chicken or lemongrass and chili fried chicken with kaffir lime leaves to enrich your daily menu. Don’t forget to choose fresh ingredients and follow the steps carefully to achieve the perfect flavor.

Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!

References:

• How to Make Five-Spice Fried Chicken