Sweet, savory, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Pineapple Chicken is a true taste of Vietnamese cuisine. This dish perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of chicken, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine tender chicken pieces infused with the aromatic notes of garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, all complemented by the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a culinary journey to the sun-drenched streets of Vietnam.
The succulent chicken is cooked to perfection, its tender texture a delightful contrast to the crisp-tender pineapple chunks. Served over a bed of vermicelli noodles, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through making this incredible Pineapple Chicken recipe.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Basin
Ingredients
- Chicken (young hen)
- Pineapple: 200g
- Straw mushrooms: 15g
- Black fungus
- Carrots: 150g
- Onions: 50g
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Lemongrass: 4 stalks
- Garlic: 50g
- Shallots
- Salt: 1 tablespoon + 1/4 tablespoon
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- MSG: 1/2 tablespoon
- Ground pepper: 1/4 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Seasoning powder: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon: 1
- Coconut water: 1 liter
- Filtered water: 0.5 liter
- Annatto oil (or cooking oil): 3 tablespoons
- Vermicelli
- Fish sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Wash the chicken thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and rub it evenly into the chicken skin for about 3 minutes. Rinse again and knead the chicken with lemon and sugar to clean and remove stickiness.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the chicken with 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of MSG, 1/4 tablespoon of salt, 1/4 tablespoon of ground pepper, 1/2 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and half of the chopped onions and garlic. Marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Cook Chicken
- Cut the carrots into 0.5cm thick slices and carve them into flowers. Prepare the black fungus and straw mushrooms (soak until expanded and cut into medium-sized pieces). Cut the onions and green onions into pieces.
- Heat annatto oil in a pot. Add the remaining chopped onions and garlic and the crushed lemongrass. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until firm and fragrant.
Step 3. Simmer with Broth and Vegetables
- Add 1 liter of coconut water and 0.5 liter of filtered water. Cover and bring to a boil.
- After 10 minutes, add the pineapple. Cook until the chicken is tender. Then add the carrots, black fungus, and straw mushrooms. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add the green onions and season to taste. Let the broth boil again before turning off the heat.
- Serve hot with vermicelli and fish sauce.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Using lemon and sugar helps clean and remove the stickiness of the chicken skin.
- Annatto oil enhances the color and attractiveness of the dish.
- Pineapple adds sweetness and helps to soften the chicken.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-800
- Fat: 25-40g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well, but drain it thoroughly to remove excess juice. Fresh pineapple offers a brighter, more intense flavor.
2. What type of vermicelli noodles should I use?
Use thin rice vermicelli noodles. They're readily available at Asian grocery stores and many larger supermarkets.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving with the noodles.
This Pineapple Chicken with Vermicelli recipe is a delightful journey for your taste buds, offering a vibrant blend of sweet and savory flavors. With its ease of preparation and incredible taste, it's sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!