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Cambodian Lunch Special: Spicy Grilled Chicken Skewers with Mango Dipping Sauce

Experience a flavorful journey through Cambodian cuisine with this easy-to-make, mouthwatering grilled chicken skewers recipe paired with a tangy mango dipping sauce. Enjoy a sensory feast that showcases balance and harmony in every bite while creating an elegant presentation on your plate. Share this delightful meal with friends and family or enjoy it as a midday treat.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Difficulty: Easy
🌎 Cuisine: Cambodian

Allergens

Fish (Fish Sauce) - Soy (Soy-based alternatives to fish sauce can be used)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 ripe mangoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp minced lemongrass
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 16 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade by combining lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes and add to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the mango dipping sauce by blending together the peeled and pitted mangoes, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Thread the chicken onto skewers, discarding any excess marinade. Grill the skewers for 3 4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
  5. Serve hot with the mango dipping sauce on the side for a delicious and memorable Cambodian lunch experience.

Chef’s Insight

The key to tender, juicy chicken is marinating it long enough to allow the flavors to penetrate and the enzymes in the acidic ingredients to break down the protein fibers. - Be sure to soak wooden skewers in water before using them to prevent burning on the grill or in the oven.

Notes

Feel free to add more heat to the chicken marinade by increasing the red pepper flakes or using fresh chilies. - To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your fish sauce is labeled as such, as some brands may contain wheat.

Cultural or Historical Background

Cambodian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, with a focus on balance and harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. - Grilled skewers are a popular street food in Cambodia, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.