Cơm gà Tam Kỳ - Vietnamese Chicken Rice

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 4 cups (950 ml) water 4 cups (950 ml) water
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 2 cups (400 g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400 g) jasmine rice
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon honey
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for garnish
• Sliced cucumber and tomato, for serving Sliced cucumber and tomato, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken, lemongrass, ginger, and star anise. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Reserve the chicken broth.
2. 2.
   Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
3. 3.
   In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the drained rice and stir for 1-2 minutes to coat the grains with oil.
4. 4.
   Pour 3 cups (710 ml) of the reserved chicken broth into the pot with the rice. Add the salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.
5. 5.
   While the rice is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped chili, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
6. 6.
   Once the chicken has cooled, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
7. 7.
   To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice on a plate. Top with shredded chicken and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with sliced cucumber, tomato, and the dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before bruising the stalks to release their flavor.
• Jasmine rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffy and separate grains.
• Fish sauce — Choose a high-quality fish sauce for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Fresh herbs — Use a combination of cilantro, mint, and Thai basil for an authentic Vietnamese touch.
• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken with a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and ginger before poaching.
• To save time, use store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own.
• Customize the dipping sauce by adjusting the amount of chili and honey to suit your spice tolerance and sweetness preference.
• Serve the dish with a side of pickled vegetables for an extra tangy and crunchy element.
• Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches or salads for a delicious meal the next day.

Serving advice

Serve Cơm gà Tam Kỳ hot, with the chicken and rice arranged beautifully on a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Place the sliced cucumber and tomato on the side, and serve the dipping sauce in a small bowl for guests to drizzle over their chicken and rice according to their taste.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Cơm gà Tam Kỳ, consider serving it in individual bowls or plates for each guest. Arrange the shredded chicken on top of the rice in an attractive pattern. Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the dish and add a slice of lime for an extra touch of vibrancy. Serve with a side of cucumber and tomato slices for a visually appealing and well-balanced meal.