Bowl of Vietnamese noodles topped with lemongrass chicken and fresh herbs.

Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken is a delightful dish that is both fresh and flavorful. The combination of fragrant lemongrass and juicy chicken comes together beautifully with crisp vegetables and a tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for any meal, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences!

how to make Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 600 – 800g / 1.2 – 1.6lb chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless or breast (or pork, beef or any seafood)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, bruised then sliced into pieces easy to pick out later
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light, NOT dark soy)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 4 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 red bird’s eye chili, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tbsp oil
  • 200 g / 7 oz vermicelli noodles, dried
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 2 cucumbers, julienned (optional: remove seeds)
  • 5 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
  • 3 cups bean sprouts
  • Handful of mint leaves
  • Handful of cilantro/coriander
  • Sliced red chili (for garnish – optional)
  • Lime wedges (to serve – optional but recommended)

Directions:

  1. Prepare Lemongrass Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Make Nuoc Cham Sauce: In another bowl, combine the fish sauce, rice vinegar, white sugar, water, chopped garlic, chopped chili, and lime juice. Mix well to create the dipping sauce.

  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

  4. Cook Vermicelli Noodles: In a pot, boil water and add the vermicelli noodles. Cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.

  5. Assemble the Dish: In a large serving bowl, place the cooked vermicelli noodles. Top with sliced chicken, julienned carrots, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, and bean sprouts. Add fresh mint and cilantro on top.

  6. Serve: Drizzle the Nuoc Cham sauce over the assembled noodles and garnish with sliced red chili and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy!

how to serve Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

Serve the noodles in a large bowl or individual plates. Make sure to drizzle plenty of Nuoc Cham sauce on top for added flavor. You can also serve extra lime wedges on the side for those who like a bit more tang.

how to store Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and noodles separately. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles can also be stored in a separate container. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and enjoy it with the noodles and fresh vegetables.

tips to make Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

  • For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for longer if you can, even up to a few hours or overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of chili in the Nuoc Cham sauce to control the spice level.
  • You can replace chicken with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different twist.

variation

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. You can also switch up the herbs, using basil or parsley if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles, depending on your preference.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and fish sauce, the dish can be gluten-free.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less of the chili in the Nuoc Cham sauce. For a milder version, you can omit the chili altogether.