Com Tam Ga Nuong
VietnameseLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Com Tam Ga Nuong represents the heart of southern regional home cooking, where broken rice grains create a distinctive tender texture that perfectly absorbs the savory-sweet marinade from grilled chicken. The dish combines aromatic lemongrass and garlic-marinated chicken thighs with fluffy broken rice, tangy pickled carrots and daikon, crisp cucumber slices, and a generous handful of fresh cilantro and mint. Finished with fragrant scallion oil and served alongside a vibrant dipping sauce made from lime, garlic, and chili, this meal exemplifies the balance of flavors that defines the culinary tradition. Originally a working-class favorite utilizing fractured rice grains from milling, it has become beloved across all levels of society for its satisfying combination of smoky grilled protein, aromatic rice, and refreshing accompaniments.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons grated ginger, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Mix well until honey dissolves.

  2. Marinate the chicken: Place 600g chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

  3. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups white rice thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package directions or in a rice cooker with appropriate water ratio. Fluff when done and keep warm.

  4. Prepare pickled vegetables: Julienne 2 carrots and slice 1 cucumber thinly. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss carrots in this mixture and let sit for 15 minutes.

  5. Make scallion oil: Finely chop 3 tablespoons cilantro. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a small pan until shimmering, then pour over cilantro. Stir and set aside.

  6. Grill the chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until charred on edges and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.

  7. Prepare dipping sauce: Combine juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Stir until honey dissolves.

  8. Assemble: Divide rice among four plates. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, pickled carrots, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with scallion oil and serve with dipping sauce on the side.

Com Tam Ga Nuong

4.1 (54)

Fragrant broken rice topped with succulent grilled lemongrass chicken, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of scallion oil. This classic street food delivers layers of texture and flavor in every bite.

medium
45 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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Main Protein

  • 600 grams chicken-thigh, boneless, skinless

Base

  • 2 cups rice-white, rinsed well

Marinade and Sauce

  • 5 tablespoons fish-sauce
  • 4 tablespoons honey

Aromatics

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, grated

Vegetables

  • 2 pieces carrots, julienned
  • 1 pieces cucumber, thinly sliced

Garnish

  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Sauce

  • 2 pieces lime, juiced

Cooking

  • 4 tablespoons vegetable-oil

Marinade

  • 1 tablespoons soy-sauce

Seasoning

  • 3 teaspoons black-pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

Pickles

  • 3 tablespoons vinegar-white

Chef Tips

expert advice
For authentic flavor, look for broken rice (com tam) at Asian markets, though regular jasmine rice works as a substitute.
The chicken tastes even better when marinated overnight.
If grilling outdoors is not possible, a stovetop grill pan or broiler produces excellent results with good caramelization.
For extra richness, add a fried egg on top.
The pickled vegetables can be made up to 3 days ahead.
Adjust the heat level in the dipping sauce by adding sliced fresh chili peppers.
Traditional accompaniments include sliced tomatoes and a side of clear broth.
For a complete meal, serve with a light vegetable side or spring rolls.