Description
Zesty Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken brings together a symphony of bold Southeast Asian flavors that dance right onto your dinner plate. Tender chicken marinated in fragrant lemongrass, chili, and aromatic spices delivers a punchy meal that transports your taste buds straight to Malaysia’s street food scene.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2.2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
Aromatics and Spices:
- 3 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, chopped
- 1 tablespoon salt
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 3 finely chopped lemongrass stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 chopped red chilies in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the marinade over 1 kg of chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat for 2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Transfer the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet, spacing them to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes on each side.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Your chicken should have a golden-brown exterior and be completely cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute the juices. This helps keep your meat tender and flavorful.
- Plate the spicy lemongrass chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice, spooning any remaining pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) allows deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and juicier results compared to chicken breasts.
- For a less spicy version, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Use fresh lemongrass stalks and crush them before chopping to release more aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg