Experience the bright, citrusy zing of lemongrass in these simple yet flavourful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers. Tender, juicy chicken is infused with aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, creating a dish that's both comforting and vibrant. I want to say naturally gluten free but, there's always one ingredient to watch out for.
For a fabulous summer meal serve this with salad rolls or Asian coleslaw with peanut dressing. Ice cream lovers will want to serve this dairy free coconut ice cream with mango and peanuts for a smashing dessert.
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Ingredients
Lemongrass and fish sauce are essential for Vietnamese and Thai cuisine so should both be in your gluten free Asian pantry. My secret is buying frozen, chopped lemongrass and keeping it in my freezer. I never need to make a special trip to the store to make all my favourite recipes.
- Lemon juice - For the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
- Fish sauce - An essential ingredient for Vietnamese cuisine. I buy Squid Brand fish sauce which does not have squid in it. The ingredient list should only be anchovy, salt and sugar. If the label says anything else look for another brand. If this ingredient is new to you, check out gluten free fish sauce.
- Gluten free soy sauce, garlic & ginger - Three pantry essentials that are in many Asian recipes.
- Chile sauce - I like Sambal oelek.
- Lemongrass - I enjoy the convenience of store bought frozen lemongrass but it does have an ingredient list. When I use fresh lemongrass, usually for a cooking class, I chop up what I have left and freeze it. Learn more in this post on lemongrass.
- Chicken - This is a versatile recipe that can be made with any cut of chicken.
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Substitutions
Fish sauce - For anyone with a fish allergy or on a vegan diet, this Vegan Fish Sauce substitute is the perfect. No one will even notice.
Lemongrass - There is no substitute, this unique ingredient is worth finding.
Variations for Lemongrass Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers seem a little fancy so that's my choice for entertaining. Luckily chicken in any form is a great choice so try one of these.
- Whole chicken breasts or thighs can be marinated and grilled for an everyday dinner.
- Sliced grilled chicken can be added to a salad, Buddha Bowl or Rice Noodle Bowl.
- Chicken filets can be sautéed or grilled and used to make a Vietnamese Chicken Sub. They're a good choice for chicken skewers too.
Get The Tools
Every kitchen needs a few tools, these are for grilling.
- A reusable grilling sheet is ideal for a safe cooking surface and preventing cross contact. Consider the opposite too. At home you can have a mostly gluten free barbecue and use the grilling sheet for the occasional wheat filled hamburger bun, if someone just can't live without that.
- Sturdy metal skewers are easy for skewers, while bamboo skewers need to be soaked in water before using. I like the long 10-inch skewers for a main course and shorter 4-inch and 6-inch skewers for an appetizer size portion.
Top Tip
If you love Asian cuisine like I do then get your gluten free pantry stocked up! Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is a gift to the gluten free community with so many naturally gluten free and dairy free dishes. Type Asian into the Search bar at the top of any page on my website and you'll see Asian recipes in all categories.
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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
LEMONGRASS MARINADE
- 6 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chile sauce I like Sambal oelek
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon chopped ginger
- 2 tablespoon chopped lemongrass frozen or chopped from 4 fresh stalks, trimmed
THE MEAT
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed or 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 12-18 bamboo skewers soaked in water
Instructions
Vietnamese Lemongrass Marinade
- Combine all ingredients and pour marinade over chicken. Marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Soak bamboo skewers for 4 hours or overnight.
COOKING & SERVING
- Thread chicken pieces onto skewers. Discard marinade.
GRILLING METHOD
- Preheat barbecue. Oil grill and cook chicken until nicely charred, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook another 3 minutes until cooked through.
BROILER METHOD
- Preheat oven broiler. Line baking sheet with foil and top with metal rack(s). Broil chicken until nicely browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and broil another 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
More Asian Pantry Ingredients
If you haven't set up your gluten free Asian pantry here are some posts to learn what you need to know.
- Gluten free soy sauce is readily available but have you read the label? Host a fun Soy Sauce vs Tamari Tasting and let your taste buds decide what you'll buy.
- Asian Fish Sauce is essential for Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. You've got to use it.
- How To Use Lemongrass covers how to buy it and use it.
Gail Mackenzie
Enjoyed your Vietnamese lemongrass chicken for Father’s Day it was delicious!
Cinde Little
That's great Gail, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you get to make it again this summer and use it in different ways. Happy grilling!