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Tasty Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

As seen in Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights.

Tender chicken infused with citrusy lemongrass, served on a bed of light vermicelli noodles paired with crisp greens and herbs. Topped off with a classic Nuoc Cham sauce that's sweet, savory, and a touch tangy for that perfect balance. The flavorful marinade doubles as part of the sauce, saving you time while still delivering bold tastes. This meal is ideal for weekdays or fun gatherings where guests can customize their bowls with their favorite ingredients.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:23:04 GMT
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A colorful bowl with chicken, noodles, and fresh herbs. Save Recipe
A colorful bowl with chicken, noodles, and fresh herbs. | yummygusto.com

Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken brings together the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia in a deeply satisfying bowl. The fragrant lemongrass-infused chicken pairs perfectly with delicate rice noodles, while fresh herbs and crisp vegetables create a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. This authentic dish captures the essence of Vietnamese street food, offering a complete meal that's both nourishing and incredibly flavorful.

I've made this dish countless times, and it never fails to transport me back to my travels through Vietnam. The way the lemongrass perfumes the kitchen while the chicken cooks is simply magical, and watching my guests' eyes light up as they build their perfect bowls always brings me joy.

Essential Ingredients

  • Lemongrass: Choose stalks that are firm and fragrant, with a pale yellow base. Trim away outer layers and use only the tender white portion
  • Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for their superior flavor and moisture retention
  • Fish sauce: Look for a high-quality brand with a clear amber color and clean aroma
  • Rice vermicelli: Select thin, white noodles without any discoloration
  • Fresh herbs: Must be bright green and crisp. Thai basil, mint, and cilantro are essential for authenticity
  • Carrots and cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh vegetables for the best crunch

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Finely mince lemongrass stalks, focusing on the tender white portion. Combine with minced garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly until sugar dissolves completely. Coat chicken evenly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade, scraping off excess lemongrass. Heat pan until very hot to achieve proper caramelization. Cook 6-8 minutes per side until deeply golden. Let rest before slicing against the grain.
Step 3: Prepare Components
Soak vermicelli in hot water until tender but still slightly firm. Julienne vegetables into uniform sizes. Wash and dry herbs thoroughly. Mix nuoc cham sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Assembly
Layer noodles at the bottom of each bowl. Arrange sliced chicken, vegetables, and herbs in separate sections. Serve sauce on the side for individual portioning. Garnish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

My family particularly loves the lemongrass component of this dish. Its subtle citrus notes have become such a favorite that we now grow lemongrass in our herb garden, ensuring we always have this aromatic ingredient on hand.

The Art of Balance

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its perfect balance of flavors, and this dish exemplifies that principle beautifully. The savory chicken, fresh herbs, and tangy sauce create a harmony that makes each bite interesting and satisfying. The combination of textures, from tender chicken to crunchy vegetables, adds another dimension to the eating experience.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best features of this dish is its make-ahead potential. The chicken can be marinated overnight, the sauce prepared in advance, and vegetables prepped hours before serving. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners when time is precious but you still want a spectacular meal.

Storage Success

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this dish for several days. Keep components separate - store cooked chicken in an airtight container, noodles tossed with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, and vegetables with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. The sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week, though you may need to rebalance flavors before serving.

Recipe Tips & Help

→ How long should I marinate the lemongrass chicken?
Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 1 hour, but leaving it for 24 hours in the fridge gives the best flavor.
→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken the night before, whip up the sauce beforehand, and cut your veggies a few hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge.
→ What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Fish sauce adds a unique taste, but mixing soy sauce with a dash of lime juice can work in a pinch. It won’t be exactly the same but still tasty.
→ How do I prevent the vermicelli noodles from sticking?
Rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water and draining them thoroughly helps. Tossing in a tiny bit of oil can also keep them separate.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yep! Swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari to make this dish safe for those avoiding gluten.

Tasty Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken

A hearty dish of tender lemongrass chicken, fresh herbs, and tangy sauce over soft noodles. Packed with vibrant, bold flavors.

Preparation Time
20 Mins
Cooking Time
10 Mins
Total Time
30 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level: Medium

Style: Vietnamese

Makes: 4 Serves

Dietary Notes: No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 Boneless chicken thighs without the skin (600-800g)
02 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
03 The white part of 1 lemongrass stalk, crushed and coarsely chopped
04 2 minced garlic cloves
05 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
06 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
07 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
08 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

→ Vietnamese Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

09 2 tablespoons of lime juice
10 1/2 cup of cold water
11 A quarter cup of fish sauce
12 4 tablespoons of rice vinegar
13 2 minced garlic cloves
14 2 tablespoons of white sugar
15 Chopped red chili (one bird’s eye variety)

→ Noodles and Fresh Ingredients

16 Fresh mint leaves
17 Julienned cucumbers (2)
18 5 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce
19 Sprouts from 3 cups of fresh beans
20 Lime pieces to serve
21 Carrots cut into thin strips (2)
22 200g of dried vermicelli noodles
23 Fresh cilantro leaves

Method

01

Toss the chicken in the marinade mix and put it in the fridge for a minimum of an hour (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).

02

Mix chopped garlic, chili, water, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and lime juice in a bowl. Give it a mix so the sugar dissolves. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.

03

In a pan over medium heat, add oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, brushing off any big pieces of lemongrass, and fry for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden and thoroughly cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thin.

04

Pour hot water over the noodles for 3 minutes to make them soft, then drain and rinse using cold water. This helps stop them from clumping.

05

Put the noodles in bowls, topping them with chicken, herbs, and veggies. Drizzle over the Nuoc Cham sauce before serving. Alternatively, set up components for everyone to build their own bowls.

Cook's Tips

  1. This Vietnamese lemongrass recipe is a flavor-packed favorite that's healthy, too
  2. It’s great for prepping ahead when you're busy
  3. Perfect for feeding big groups with a DIY-style noodle setup

Kitchen Equipment

  • A big frying pan or outdoor grill
  • Sharp knife for slicing vegetables
  • Large bowl to marinate the chicken
  • Plates or bowls for serving

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • Fish sauce contains seafood
  • Soy included

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fat Content: 13.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65.2 g
  • Protein: 39.9 g