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Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà, Gà Bóp)

Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà/Gà Bóp)

Vietnamese Chicken Salad is a favorite at family gatherings in Vietnam. It's light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors. Here is the Central Vietnamese version, made with chicken, onion, Vietnamese coriander, and no fish sauce.
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Prep Time: 29 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Author: Cielle

Ingredients

  • 2 pound poached chicken (900g)
  • 3 onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar (for the onion)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (for the onion)
  • Iced water (for the onion)
  • 2 big handful Vietnamese coriander (rau răm)

Dressing

  • 3 tsp salt (to your taste)
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar (to your taste)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (to your taste)
  • ¼ tsp MSG (optional)
  • ½ tsp ground pepper (to your taste)
  • Chili slices (to your taste)

Instructions

  • Thinly slice the onions and soak them in iced water for 10 minutes. After draining, toss the onions with sugar and lime juice, then let them rest for another 10 minutes.
  • Shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Wash, rinse, and drain the Vietnamese coriander, then chop it.
  • Combine salt, sugar, lime juice, ground pepper, chili, and MSG to make the dressing.
  • Add half of the dressing over the chicken and toss thoroughly.
  • Add the drained onions and Vietnamese coriander to the chicken. Pour some of the remaining dressing over the chicken mixture, adjusting to your taste, and toss gently until everything is well combined.
  • Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving. You could sprinkle some roasted peanuts and fried shallots on top.

Notes

  • This Gỏi Gà pairs well with Hoi An Chicken Rice or plain steamed jasmine rice.
  • It's delicious with sesame rice crackers (bánh tráng nướng) or shrimp chips (bánh phồng tôm).
  • Vietnamese coriander gives this chicken salad its distinctive flavor. While you can substitute it with mint, Thai basil, or lemon basil, each will offer a unique taste.
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