RECIPES OF VIETNAM

Ga Chien (Fried Chicken)

Ingredients :

6 cloves

4

2 tsp

2 tbsp

2 tbsp

4

Garlic (crushed)

Shallots (thinly sliced)

Sugar

Nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)

Light soy sauce

Chicken legs with thighs attached (about 2 pounds)

Freshly ground black pepper

All-purpose flour (for dredging)

Vegetable oil (for deep-frying)

1. In a mortar or blender, pound or grind the garlic, shallots and sugar to a fine paste
2. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce and black pepper to taste and stir to blend
3. Rub the paste on the chicken legs and marinate for at least 1 hour in a shallow pan
4. Halve the chicken legs at the joint and dredge them with flour, shake to remove any excess flour
5. Heat 3 inches of oil in a wok or deep fryer to 375 degrees F (This temperature must be maintained for the entire frying process)
6. Deep-fry the chicken pieces, a few at a time, turning once, until golden and tender, for about 10 minutes
7. Remove and drain on paper towels; keep warm
8. Continue frying the remaining chicken pieces (The skin of the chicken should be crispy and the meat very tender and highly aromatic. If a crispier skin is desired, deep-fry briefly a second time)
9. Hack the chicken pieces into bite-size morsels and reassemble on a serving platter
10. Serve hot or at room temperature, with rice and Nuoc Cham