Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken) — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Mince the lemongrass to a paste and use only the tender bottom third; the woody top will never soften and turns the dish to splinters. Fry it in oil until fragrant before the chicken goes in.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Chicken thighs

Boneless, skinless, cut into bite pieces — thighs stay juicy where breast dries.

1.5 lb

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Lemongrass

Fresh stalks; use only the pale tender base, minced to a paste.

4 stalks

Local / market

Fish sauce

The salt and umami of the marinade.

2 tbsp

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Bird's eye chili

Minced; adjust to your heat, but some bite is the point.

2 chilies

Local / market

Garlic

Minced, fried with the lemongrass.

4 cloves

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Shallots

Sliced thin for sweetness and body.

2 shallots

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Sugar

A spoonful, lightly caramelized, balances the fish sauce and chili.

1 tbsp

Local / market

Turmeric

A pinch of ground turmeric gives the classic golden color.

1/2 tsp

Local / market

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot

The Method

MarinateToss chicken with half the lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, turmeric and pepper; rest 15 minutes.
Fry the aromaticsIn hot oil, fry remaining lemongrass, garlic, shallots and chili until deeply fragrant.
Sear the chickenAdd chicken in a single layer; let it brown before tossing.
CaramelizePush chicken aside, melt a little sugar to caramel, then toss everything to glaze.
FinishCook until sticky and cooked through; taste for fish sauce. Serve over rice.

The Toolkit

Wok · Mortar and pestle · Chef's knife

Straight Answers

Can you make Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken) in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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Ga Xao Xa Ot (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken), and where to source it