Vietnamese Steamed Whole Chicken with Turmeric and Coriander (Gà Hấp Bột Nghệ Rau Răm)

In a previous steamed chicken with Vietnamese coriander recipe, I cut up the chicken into bite-size pieces and steamed the chicken on a plate. I found that it was better and simpler to steam the whole chicken on a bed of aromatics directly in the steamer. I also found that you have to generously season the chicken for the flavors to stick during the steaming process. What looked like a lot of seasonings at the beginning, was just perfect once cooked.

Although its seasoning is generous, it’s also very simple. The seasoning in this steamed chicken recipe is a mixture of chicken bouillon powder (the ultimate Vietnamese home cooking hack), sugar and salt.

Turmeric powder is rub on the skin of the chicken mainly for color.

Serve this alongside a dipping sauce of lemon juice, salt and pepper for an extra last minute burst of flavor.

Recipe below. Enjoy!