Cơm Tấm Gà Nướng - Broken Jasmine with Lemongrass Chicken
VietnameseBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Cơm Tấm Gà Nướng is a beloved comfort food featuring broken jasmine grains paired with succulent lemongrass-marinated grilled chicken. The dish originated from Southern regions where broken grains were considered less valuable but created a unique texture that perfectly absorbs the flavorful toppings. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, honey, and aromatic spices before being grilled to golden perfection. Served alongside fresh cucumber slices, tangy pickled carrots and radishes, and drizzled with a balanced sweet fish sauce dressing, this dish offers a harmonious combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for a weekend brunch gathering, it brings together the essential elements of savory, sweet, tangy, and fresh in every bite. The broken grains cook faster than regular varieties and have a distinctive texture that makes this dish particularly satisfying.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Rinse broken jasmine grains thoroughly until water runs clear. Cook according to package directions with appropriate water ratio. Set aside and keep warm.

  2. Finely mince lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. In a large bowl, combine minced aromatics with fish sauce, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and turmeric.

  3. Cut chicken thighs into even pieces. Add to marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

  4. While chicken marinates, prepare pickled vegetables: julienne carrots and slice radishes thinly. Combine vinegar, honey, salt, and warm water. Pour over vegetables and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

  5. Prepare sweet fish sauce dressing: combine fish sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and water. Adjust sweetness and saltiness to taste. Add minced chili if desired.

  6. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.

  7. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill chicken pieces for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown with char marks and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  8. While chicken grills, slice cucumbers on the diagonal. Prepare serving plates with a bed of broken jasmine.

  9. Once chicken is cooked, let rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing into strips.

  10. Arrange sliced grilled chicken over the grains. Add cucumber slices and drained pickled vegetables alongside.

  11. Drizzle sweet fish sauce dressing over the entire dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Cơm Tấm Gà Nướng - Broken Jasmine with Lemongrass Chicken

4.7 (44)

Fragrant broken jasmine grains topped with aromatic lemongrass-marinated grilled chicken, served with fresh cucumber, pickled vegetables, and a sweet fish sauce dressing for a satisfying brunch dish.

medium
55 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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Main Components

  • 2 cups rice-white, broken jasmine variety
  • 800 grams chicken-thigh, boneless, skinless

Marinade

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, fresh minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy-sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame-oil
  • 1 teaspoons turmeric, ground
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Marinade and Dressing

  • 4 tablespoons fish-sauce, divided
  • 3 tablespoons honey, divided

Pickled Vegetables

  • 2 pieces carrots, julienned
  • 6 pieces radishes, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar-white

Fresh Accompaniments

  • 2 pieces cucumber, sliced diagonally

Dressing and Garnish

  • 3 pieces lime, juiced and wedges

Garnish

  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, fresh chopped

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoons salt

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable-oil

Chef Tips

expert advice
For authentic flavor, char the lemongrass slightly over flame before mincing to release aromatic oils.
If broken jasmine grains are unavailable, regular jasmine can be used but will have a different texture.
The chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling is not possible.
Marinating overnight significantly enhances flavor penetration.
The pickled vegetables can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
For a spicier version, add sliced Thai chilies to the marinade and dressing.
The sweet fish sauce dressing should balance sweet, salty, sour, and slightly spicy flavors - adjust ratios to personal preference.
Leftover grilled chicken is excellent in wraps or salads.
This dish pairs wonderfully with iced jasmine tea or fresh coconut water.