Steamed chicken with fish sauce is a remarkably simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that showcases the magic of fresh ingredients and a few key pantry staples. This Vietnamese-inspired recipe delivers tender, succulent chicken infused with the umami richness of fish sauce, a subtle sweetness, and a fragrant herbaceousness. It's a perfect weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes, and equally delicious served hot or at room temperature. The delicate balance of flavors makes it incredibly versatile, adaptable to your spice preference and readily paired with rice, noodles, or a vibrant salad.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times! This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. The straightforward method ensures a delicious result every time, and the minimal cleanup is an added bonus. To learn how to create this easy yet impressive dish, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- bowl
- steamer
- pot
- knife
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Chicken
- Combine fish sauce, chili sauce, oyster sauce (optional), sugar, seasoning, MSG (optional), pepper, and annatto oil in a bowl. Stir well.
- Place the cleaned chicken in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's coated evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer is better, even refrigerate).
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics
- In a pot, sauté green pepper, crushed lemongrass, garlic, and chili pepper in cooking oil until fragrant.
Step 3. Steam the Chicken
- Add coconut water (or filtered water) to the pot with the aromatics. Bring to a boil, then add the marinated chicken. Steam over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, occasionally basting the chicken with the sauce.
Step 4. Serve
- Remove the chicken from the steamer and let it rest. Thicken the remaining sauce if desired. Serve the chicken hot, with the sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzled over the chicken. Enjoy with sticky rice or beer.
Read more: Vietnamese Chicken Stew (Ca Ri Ga): A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Tips
- Using bamboo chicken will result in a particularly delicious dish.
- Use plenty of chili sauce for a more delicious flavor and beautiful color.
- If you don't have annatto oil, you can buy it at the market; adjust the amount accordingly.
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken for longer, even refrigerating it.
- Steaming over low heat prevents the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of protein instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with fish fillets, pork chops, or tofu. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be a substitute, but it won't provide the same unique umami flavor. You can try a combination of soy sauce and a few drops of Maggi seasoning for a closer approximation.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some sliced chilies (fresh or dried), a pinch of chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce before steaming.
This simple steamed chicken with fish sauce recipe is a testament to how incredible flavor can be achieved with minimal effort. Enjoy the tender, flavorful chicken as a satisfying meal on its own or as a versatile component in your favorite dishes. We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe!