Cơm Lam Gà Nướng

Bamboo Tube Sticky Rice with Grilled Chicken
A rustic meal pairing fragrant bamboo-cooked sticky rice with smoky, marinated grilled chicken, served with a roasted peanut-salt-sesame dip and fresh herbs.

Other variations:

Cơm lam nướng, Cơm lam hấp, Cơm lam ăn kèm gà nướng, Cơm lam chấm muối mè

Category

Rice Dish

Region

Central Vietnam

Preparation Time

6h

Servings

4–6

Difficulty

Hard

About this recipe

Cơm Lam Gà Nướng is a signature dish of Vietnam’s Central Highlands and mountainous regions, enjoyed during festivals, communal meals, and for welcoming guests. The bamboo rice absorbs a subtle woody aroma, while the chicken is marinated with local spices and grilled over charcoal.

Ingredients List

500 g glutinous rice 1 whole chicken (about 1.2 kg) or equivalent parts 3 stalks lemongrass (minced) 3 cloves garlic (minced) 2 shallots (minced) 1–2 red chilies (minced) 3 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp honey 200 ml coconut milk (optional) 1 tsp salt 50 g roasted peanuts 2 tbsp sesame seeds extra salt for peanut-salt mix water as needed

Materials & Tools

Bamboo tubes mixing bowls knife and chopping board grill or charcoal stove banana leaves mortar and pestle for peanut-salt dip

Preparation steps

Total Time :

6h

Active Time :

1h30

Cooking Time

4h30
Step 1
Soak Rice
Soak glutinous rice 4h+, drain, mix with salt/coconut milk.
4h00
Step 2
Cook Rice in Bamboo
Fill bamboo tubes with rice & water, seal with banana leaf, cook over flame 1–1.5h.
1h30
Step 3
Marinate Chicken
Marinate chicken with lemongrass, garlic, chili, fish sauce, oyster sauce, honey (1h+).
1h00
Step 4
Grill Chicken
Grill chicken over charcoal, turning until golden.
30 min
Step 5
Make Dip
With bamboo sticky rice, herbs, dip.
10 min
Step 6
Serve
With bamboo sticky rice, herbs, dip.
10 min
Step 7
Step 8

Chef’s Tips

Use young bamboo for tender rice; keep chicken moist by grilling over medium heat and basting with marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut-salt-sesame dip, fresh herbs, cucumber slices

Nutritional info

600 kcal35 g protein20 g fat70 g carbs

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