Vietnamese Noodle Lemongrass Chicken Bowls

Vietnamese Noodle Lemongrass Chicken Bowls

There are so many layers of flavors and aromatics that go into this dish — you've got sweet, savory, a little kick of spice, tart and tangy.

Ingredients

  • stalks lemongrass

    trimmed, white parts only

    5
  • garlic

    cloves peeled

    4 heads
  • shallots

    peeled

    3
  • scallions
    4
  • sugar
    ½ c
  • honey
    1 c
  • fish sauce
    1 ½ c
  • seasoning sauce

    preferably golden mountain brand

    ½ c
  • vegetable oil
    1 c
  • water
    1 c
  • ground white pepper
    2 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper
    3 tsp
  • chicken bouillon powder
    3 tsp
  • cayenne powder
    1 tsp
  • boneless

    skin-on chicken thighs

    6
  • sugar
    6 tbsp
  • warm water
    1 ¼ c
  • fish sauce
    6 tbsp
  • freshly squeezed lime juice

    3-4 limes

    6 tbsp
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • thai chilies

    chopped

    1
  • shredded carrot

    optional

  • thin vermicelli rice noodles
    1 pack
  • lettuce

    torn, such as red leaf, green or bibb

    1 head
  • mint
    1 bunch
  • cilantro
    1 bunch
  • tia tô

    purple shiso; optional

    1 bunch
  • crushed peanuts and pickled carrots and/or daikon

    for garnish, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the lemongrass chicken:

  2. 2

    Place the lemongrass, garlic, shallots and scallions in food processor and pulse until minced.

  3. 3

    In a bowl or large zip-top bag, whisk the sugar, honey, fish sauce, seasoning sauce, oil, water and spices.

  4. 4

    Stir in aromatics. Add chicken and coat well. Cover or seal and marinate 6 to 8 hours or overnight.

  5. 5

    Preheat a grill or pan to medium-high. Lightly oil if needed.

  6. 6

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and let sit at room temp for 10 minutes.

  7. 7

    Grill the chicken skin-side down for 6 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook another 6 to 8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

  8. 8

    Let rest 5 minutes and then slice.

  9. 9

    Make the dipping sauce:

  10. 10

    Dissolve the sugar in warm water. Stir in fish sauce and lime juice. Add the garlic, chiles and carrot, if using. Adjust to taste. Chill for up to 1 week.

  11. 11

    Serve:

  12. 12

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles per package instructions (usually 2 to 3 minutes). Drain and rinse in cold water.

  13. 13

    Layer the noodles into bowls, top with the lettuce, herbs and grilled chicken. Garnish with peanuts or pickled veggies, if desired.

  14. 14

    Serve with dipping sauce spooned over the top or on the side.

Vietnamese Noodle Lemongrass Chicken Bowls

Vietnamese Noodle Lemongrass Chicken Bowls

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that transports you straight to Southeast Asia? These Vietnamese Noodle Lemongrass Chicken Bowls deliver an extraordinary culinary experience right in your own kitchen. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner or a fresh, healthy lunch.

Why These Bowls Sing

What makes this recipe truly special is the incredible depth of flavor. You’ll discover a symphony of tastes, from sweet and savory to a delightful kick of spice, all balanced with a tart and tangy finish. The chicken marinade, rich with aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and shallots, is infused with the perfect blend of honey, fish sauce, and seasoning sauce, creating a tender, flavorful base.

What to Expect

Prepare for an exciting interplay of textures and tastes. The grilled chicken, deeply infused with fragrant lemongrass and spices, offers a succulent bite. This richness is beautifully complemented by the light, refreshing vermicelli rice noodles and crisp, cool lettuce. Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and optional tia tô (purple shiso) add bright, herbaceous notes.

Each spoonful provides a harmonious blend of the zesty lime-based dressing, the savory chicken, and the fresh vegetables, creating a truly satisfying and balanced bowl that’s both healthy and hearty. The optional crushed peanuts and pickled carrots or daikon add an extra layer of crunch and tang.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While boneless, skin-on chicken thighs offer incredible flavor, you could swap them for skinless chicken breast for a leaner option. If you’re looking to adjust the spice, simply reduce or omit the fresh Thai chilies from the dressing. Don't have tia tô? Fresh basil or extra mint can provide a similar aromatic lift. You can also easily add more shredded carrots or other vegetables to the bowl for extra nutrition.

Serving & Context

These Vietnamese Noodle Lemongrass Chicken Bowls are fantastic for "Dinner," "Lunch," or even for "Entertaining" guests. They’re a complete meal in one bowl, ideal for anyone looking for a flavorful yet "Healthy" option. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and cool, fresh components.

Frequently Asked Questions