Cơm Gà Hải Nam
Cơm • Việt Nam
Về Cơm Gà Hải Nam
Vietnamese Hainanese chicken rice with ginger scallion sauce
How to Make Cơm Gà Hải Nam (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Cơm Gà Hải Nam is a beloved Vietnamese chicken rice dish, celebrated for its fragrant rice, tender poached chicken, and vibrant, zesty sauces. Originating from the southern regions of Vietnam, this meal is a staple in households and street food stalls, particularly in coastal cities like Phan Rang and Saigon. The dish harmoniously combines jasmine rice cooked in savory chicken broth with succulent, lean chicken, and a side of refreshing cucumber, herbs, and tangy ginger-scallion sauce. It is an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors without excess calories. The appeal of Cơm Gà Hải Nam lies in its balance of textures and flavors—aromatic rice, juicy chicken, and bright, herbal notes. Often served for family gatherings or casual lunches, it represents the beauty of Vietnamese simple home cooking. The use of natural ingredients, minimal oil, and fresh herbs make this dish both nourishing and satisfying, reflecting the emphasis on well-being in Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Ingredients(for One plate with chicken, rice, and vegetables)
- 250g Skinless chicken breast (Gà ta (Vietnamese free-range chicken) preferred)
- 1 cup Jasmine rice (Gạo thơm)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Fresh ginger (Gừng)
- 2 stalks Scallions (Hành lá)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Tỏi)
- 1 small Cucumber (Dưa leo)
- A handful Fresh coriander (Ngò rí)
- 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce (Nước mắm)
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice (Nước chanh)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (Tiêu)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the chicken breast and place in a pot with 1 cup of chicken broth, ginger slices, and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently over low heat until just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Do not boil vigorously to keep the chicken tender.
- 2
Remove chicken and set aside to rest. Reserve the poaching liquid; skim any fat and measure 1 cup for the rice.
2 minutes
Resting the chicken ensures juiciness.
- 3
Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic and half the scallions in a teaspoon of chicken fat or broth until fragrant. Add rice, stir for 1 minute.
5 minutes
Sautéing rice with aromatics boosts flavor.
- 4
Add reserved chicken broth to rice. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
12 minutes
Keep lid on to trap steam for fluffy rice.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This dish is a healthy choice because it uses lean, skinless chicken, minimal oil, and plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs. The rice is cooked in flavorful broth instead of added fats, keeping calories lower while maximizing nutrition. Balanced macronutrients and natural ingredients make Cơm Gà Hải Nam suitable for anyone seeking wholesome Vietnamese food.
Cơm Gà Hải Nam is a well-balanced dish, offering lean protein from chicken breast, complex carbohydrates from jasmine rice, and vitamins and antioxidants from fresh herbs and cucumber. The use of poached chicken reduces fat content, while the ginger and scallion sauce provides anti-inflammatory benefits. This meal is rich in B vitamins, selenium, and vitamin C, making it nourishing and energizing.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Poach chicken gently for the juiciest texture.
- 💡Tip 2: Use the chicken poaching broth to cook rice for extra flavor.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust the sauce with extra lime or chili for a personal touch.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture; freshen up the herbs and vegetables just before serving.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 170.0 kcal |
| Protein | 11.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22.0 g |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
