Vietnamese Chicken Salad with Vietnamese Coriander (Gà Bóp Rau Răm)

By DoiSong – September 2025
Discover more: Sugarcane juice | Sticky rice | Refreshing drinks

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A Fragrant, Nutritious Salad for Every Occasion

Gà bóp rau răm (Vietnamese Chicken Salad with Vietnamese Coriander) is a light yet flavorful dish loved for its freshness and aroma. The combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy fish sauce dressing, crisp onions, and the unique fragrance of rau răm (Vietnamese coriander) makes it a perfect choice for family meals, especially on warm days.

This dish is not only delicious but also provides a healthy balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy home cooks who still want to bring a touch of Vietnamese tradition to their dining table.

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Recipe 1: Classic Chicken Salad with Vietnamese Coriander

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast (preferably free-range chicken)

• 1 onion

• 1 bunch of Vietnamese coriander (rau răm)

• 1 red chili

• 1 cup of vinegar

• 1 lemon

• 3 shallots

• Condiments: sugar, fish sauce, garlic, and MSG (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:
   Rub the chicken with salt, rinse thoroughly, and drain. Bring about 2 liters of water to a boil, season with 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of MSG. Add the chicken and cook until tender.

2. Cool and shred the chicken:
   Once cooked, remove the chicken and submerge it in cold water to keep the meat firm and prevent discoloration. Then debone and shred into bite-sized pieces.

3. Prepare the vegetables:

   • Peel and thinly slice the onion. Sprinkle with a little sugar and vinegar, toss gently, and let it sit for 10 minutes before squeezing out the liquid.

   • Peel and slice shallots thinly, then fry them until golden and fragrant.

   • Chop half of the Vietnamese coriander and leave the rest whole for garnish.

   • Pound chili with a pinch of sugar to create a paste.

4. Mix the salad:
   In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, onion, and Vietnamese coriander. Add the chili-sugar paste and pour in the fish sauce mixture (made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, lime juice, and a bit of water). Toss everything gently by hand to allow the flavors to blend evenly — this helps the salad absorb the dressing better than using utensils.

5. Presentation:
   Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle fried shallots on top, and garnish with Vietnamese coriander leaves and carved carrots for decoration.

Tip: Use your hands when mixing to keep the chicken from breaking apart and to ensure all flavors meld perfectly.

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Recipe 2: Simple Home-Style Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• ¼ chicken (preferably free-range for better texture)

• 1 onion

• 1 bunch of Vietnamese coriander

• 1 red chili, 1 garlic clove, 1 lemon

• Seasonings: sugar, fish sauce, and pepper

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Instructions:

1. Boil and shred the chicken:
   Clean the chicken with diluted salt water, then boil until cooked. Remove, let cool, and shred into small strips — do not slice, as shredding keeps the chicken tender and naturally fibrous.

2. Season the meat:
   Mix the shredded chicken with 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Toss well to infuse flavor.

3. Prepare the onion and herbs:
   Slice the onion thinly and soak in ice water for about 5 minutes to reduce its sharpness and maintain its crispness. Drain well.
   Rinse the Vietnamese coriander and chop finely. Slice chili and mince garlic.

4. Make the dressing:
   Mix together 3 tablespoons of water, 2 teaspoons of lime juice, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Stir well until dissolved, then add garlic and chili. This balanced sauce will give your salad its signature sweet, sour, and spicy taste.

5. Combine everything:
   In a large bowl, add the chicken and onion, then pour in the dressing. Toss gently until well coated. Finally, add the chopped Vietnamese coriander and toss once more.

6. Serve:
   Arrange neatly on a plate and serve immediately. This salad pairs beautifully with crispy prawn crackers or steamed sticky rice.

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Health Benefits of Gà Bóp Rau Răm

This dish is not just delicious — it’s good for your body, too. Chicken provides lean protein for muscle repair, while Vietnamese coriander aids digestion and reduces bloating. The combination of lemon and chili adds vitamin C and capsaicin, boosting immunity and metabolism.

The salad’s light and refreshing nature makes it suitable for those watching their calorie intake or seeking a wholesome dish that still satisfies the taste buds.

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Final Thoughts

Gà bóp rau răm embodies the balance and harmony of Vietnamese cuisine — refreshing, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it brings a touch of brightness to any meal.

Pro tip: Enjoy this salad right after mixing to experience the best texture — juicy chicken, crunchy onions, and the unique scent of rau răm coming together in perfect harmony.

Bon Appétit!