Coconut-Braised Laotian Lemongrass Chicken with Spicy Tamarind Glaze
This exotic dish marries tender chicken marinated in lemongrass and coconut milk with a fiery tamarind glaze for a vibrant taste of Laos.
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Chicken
- 1
Combine Marinade
In a bowl, mix lemongrass, coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, ginger, and garlic.
- 2
Marinate Chicken
Add chicken thighs, coating well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- 3
Rest at Room Temperature
Remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Tip: Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Preparing the Tamarind Glaze
- 1
Soak Tamarind
Soak tamarind pulp in 1/4 cup warm water for 10 minutes. Strain, discarding solids.
- 2
Combine & Simmer
In a small saucepan, combine tamarind juice, soy sauce, honey, chili, and fish sauce. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Adjust chili quantity to customize the heat level of the glaze.
How to Make Coconut-Braised Laotian Lemongrass Chicken with Spicy Tamarind Glaze
Total time: 4 h · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Braising Chicken
In a large pot, brown the marinated chicken on both sides. Add remaining marinade and simmer on low until tender.
- 2
Reducing Glaze
Continue cooking glaze until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
- 3
Glazing Chicken
Brush tamarind glaze over chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Chef's Tips
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated a day in advance and the glaze can be prepared several hours ahead.
What can I substitute for palm sugar?
Brown sugar can be used as an alternative to palm sugar.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Substitute chicken with tofu and use soy sauce-based alternatives for fish sauce.
How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat gently over a low flame or in the microwave, covered, to maintain moisture.
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