Hoi An, a charming ancient town in Vietnam, is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, and at its heart lies Com Ga – a fragrant and flavorful chicken rice dish. This isn't your average chicken and rice; Com Ga Hoi An boasts a unique blend of tender, shredded chicken infused with turmeric and ginger, served atop fluffy, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. The dish is often garnished with pickled vegetables, crispy fried shallots, and a rich, savory dipping sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that capture the essence of Vietnamese culinary artistry. Its delicate balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond the tantalizing description, the true magic lies in the preparation. This authentic recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the aromatic chicken broth to perfectly shredding the chicken and assembling the final masterpiece. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Hoi An, as we unlock the secrets to recreating this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Rice cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Microwave
Ingredients
- Chicken (organic or free-range recommended)
- Salt
- Ginger: 2 slices
- Spring onion (white part)
- Water
- Onion: 1/2
- Young coconut juice: 1
- Rice: 2 cups
- Chicken stock: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder
- Vegetable oil
- Shallots
- Vietnamese mint: 1 cup
- Lime leaves
- Green papaya
- Carrots
- Chili slices
- Fish sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Chicken fat salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Chicken
- Rub salt all over the chicken to remove strong smells. Rinse well under running water.
- Insert ginger and spring onion into the chicken cavity.
- Place chicken in a pot with water, half an onion, young coconut juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until cooked (20-25 minutes).
- Once chicken is cooked, quickly rinse under cold water to prevent darkening.
- Mix vegetable oil and turmeric powder. Heat for 30 seconds in a microwave and rub it over chicken skin for a shiny glow.
- Shred the cooled chicken into strips.
Step 2. Cooking the Rice
- Soak thinly sliced onions in ice water to reduce strong smell and make them crispier.
- If available, roll and thinly slice lime leaves.
- Fry minced garlic and shallots until fragrant and golden brown.
- Wash and soak rice for 1 hour, then drain. Season with chicken stock, salt, fried shallots, turmeric oil, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth to the rice and cook in a rice cooker until done.
- Add chili slices to the rice for color. Fluff rice with chopsticks and transfer to a serving plate.
Step 3. Preparing the Chicken Garnish
- Mix shredded chicken, salt, sliced onions, pepper, lime juice, and Vietnamese mint. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4. Plating and Serving
- Arrange shredded chicken, green papaya, carrots, and a drumstick on the plate. Serve with chicken soup, garnished with spring onion, cilantro, and pepper.
Read more: Vietnamese Broken Rice (Com Tam): A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use organic or free-range chicken for best results.
- The onion adds sweetness and clarifies the broth.
- Turmeric oil keeps the rice a nice yellow color.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken for Com Ga?
While you can, using freshly cooked chicken will provide the best flavor and texture. The cooking process infuses the chicken with the turmeric and ginger for optimal taste.
2. What kind of rice is best for Com Ga?
Jasmine rice is traditionally used and highly recommended for its fragrance and fluffy texture. Avoid long-grain rice.
3. How do I make the dipping sauce?
A simple dipping sauce uses fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili. Adjust the amounts to your preference for sweetness and spice.
With this recipe, you can now transport the vibrant flavors of Hoi An to your own kitchen. Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating this iconic dish, savoring each bite of tender chicken and fragrant rice. Share your culinary adventure with friends and family – the taste of authentic Com Ga Hoi An is a gift to be shared.