Keith_
Tasty Apprentice
Hey, food enthusiasts! Today, let's explore the delightful flavors of Thai cuisine with Gai Tod Takrai, also known as Lemongrass Fried Chicken. This dish features crispy fried chicken infused with the fragrant essence of lemongrass and Thai spices, making it a perfect blend of crunchy texture and aromatic flavors. Let's dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 500g chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on
- 3-4 stalks lemongrass, outer layers removed and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken thighs (or drumsticks) with lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, ground white pepper, and turmeric powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour, rice flour (or cornstarch), baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, skin side down.
- Fry for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a steady frying temperature.
- Serve:
- Remove fried chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.
Serving Suggestion:
- Enjoy Gai Tod Takrai as a flavorful appetizer or main dish. The crispy fried chicken infused with lemongrass and Thai spices will delight your senses and satisfy your cravings!