Hon Mhai with Lemongrass and Chili Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork or chicken, thinly sliced
• 4 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely chopped 4 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, chili peppers, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork or chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   If grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. 4.
   If broiling: Preheat the broiler. Place the marinated meat on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. 5.
   Serve the Hon Mhai skewers with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the meat. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the maximum flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before finely chopping them.
• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the meat over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a few extra chili peppers to the lemongrass and chili sauce.
• Serve Hon Mhai with sticky rice and a side of fresh cucumber slices for a complete Lao meal.
• If you don't have access to lemongrass, you can substitute it with lemongrass paste or lemongrass powder.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish with chopped cilantro or spring onions before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Hon Mhai skewers as a main course alongside steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber salad. Drizzle the zesty lemongrass and chili sauce over the meat for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled skewers on a platter, garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs, and serve with the lemongrass and chili sauce in a small bowl on the side. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make this dish a centerpiece of your table.