Ga Xao Sa Ot (Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry)

Ingredients

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 lemongrass stalks
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 shallot
• 1 red chili (optional)
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cup white rice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 lime (optional)

Steps

1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. Thinly slice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Finely mince lemongrass (tender white parts only), garlic, shallot, and red chili (if using).
3. In a bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and soy sauce. Add chicken and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, and chili (if using) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
6. Serve the Ga Xao Sa Ot immediately over hot white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.