Sesame Lemongrass Paste Marinade

A bright nutty aromatic marinade made with sesame paste fresh lemongrass garlic soy sauce lime and black pepper. This Vietnamese inspired marinade coats chicken beautifully creating a savory citrusy and deeply flavorful result without heaviness.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 4

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Microplane or grater
Airtight containing for marinating

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sesame paste
2 tablespoons finely minced lemongrass tender inner stalk only
1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons water to loosen if needed
2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts

Instructions

Add sesame paste lemongrass soy sauce lime juice neutral oil sugar garlic black pepper and salt to a mixing bowl.
Whisk until smooth adding water as needed to create a creamy pourable paste.
Add chicken and coat evenly.
Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cook by grilling pan searing baking or air frying until the chicken is cooked through.
Rest briefly before slicing.

Notes

Sesame paste adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
Lemongrass provides brightness and aroma that balances the sesame.
Black pepper is essential for Vietnamese warmth and depth.
Use water sparingly to adjust texture depending on cooking method.
This marinade also works well for tofu shrimp or vegetables.

Keyword lemongrass chicken, sesame lemongrass marinade, sesame paste chicken, Vietnamese inspired sauce, Vietnamese marinade