Gà Kho Lá Quế, or Braised Chicken with Cinnamon and Star Anise, is a quintessential Vietnamese dish, a comforting and deeply flavorful meal passed down through generations. The rich, savory sauce, infused with aromatic spices and the subtle sweetness of caramelized sugar, clings beautifully to tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. This recipe transcends a simple meal; it's a culinary experience that evokes the warmth of family gatherings and the essence of Vietnamese home cooking. The irresistible aroma alone is enough to draw you in, promising a culinary adventure you won't soon forget.
This recipe for Gà Kho Lá Quế unlocks the secrets to achieving this perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the careful selection of ingredients to the precise cooking techniques, we'll guide you through each step, ensuring your Gà Kho Lá Quế turns out flawlessly. Ready to embark on this flavorful journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Chicken thigh: 1 kg
- Ginger: 50g
- MSG: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 80ml
- Basil
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Lard or cooking oil: 3 tablespoons
- Caramel: 1.5 tablespoons
- Boiling water: 150ml
- Cinnamon leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the ginger thinly.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the chicken with salt, sugar, and water to remove fishy smell. Squeeze the chicken to make it firmer.
- Wash and drain the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken with MSG, sugar, salt, and fish sauce for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté and Braise
- Heat lard or oil in a pot. Add garlic, shallots, and remaining ginger.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add caramel, mix well.
- Add remaining fish sauce and spices.
- Add boiling water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Occasionally turn the chicken while simmering.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7 minutes.
Step 3. Simmer and Finish
- Open the lid, adjust water and thicken the sauce as needed.
Step 4. Serve
- Add cinnamon leaves. Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use regular salt to control saltiness. Add more when storing.
- Low-protein fish sauce is less salty. Adjust salt accordingly.
- Caramel adds beautiful color and flavor. Refer to previous video for instructions.
- Don't overcook, or the dish will turn black.
- Adding boiling water helps reduce fishy smell.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon leaves to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of basil?
Yes! While Vietnamese basil (rau răm) is traditional, Thai basil or sweet basil will also work well, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some sliced fresh chilies (like Thai chilies or bird's eye chilies) to the pot during cooking. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
This Braised Chicken with Basil recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Vietnamese home cooking. Enjoy the fragrant and flavorful results, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Now go forth and create your own unforgettable Gà Xào Lá Húng!