Cha Kroeung Sach Moan Recipe – A Flavorful Cambodian Stir-Fry

Cambodian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques that bring out the best in fresh ingredients. One dish that perfectly embodies this culinary tradition is Cha Kroeung Sach Moan a savory stir-fry featuring lemongrass (kroeung) and chicken (sach moan).

This dish is a staple in Cambodian households, offering a harmonious blend of spice, fragrance, and umami. The lemongrass paste (kroeung) serves as the star ingredient, infusing the chicken with an earthy, citrusy aroma that makes this dish incredibly delicious.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through an authentic Cha Kroeung Sach Moan recipe, discuss its origins, and explore the key ingredients and variations to help you create a perfect Cambodian stir-fry at home.

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What is Cha Kroeung Sach Moan?

Cha Kroeung Sach Moan (ឆាគ្រឿងសាច់មាន) translates to:

• Cha (ឆា) – Stir-fry
• Kroeung (គ្រឿង) – Cambodian lemongrass spice paste
• Sach Moan (សាច់មាន) – Chicken

This dish is a stir-fried chicken dish infused with kroeung, a traditional Khmer spice paste made from lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, turmeric, and chilies. The result is a savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

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Ingredients for Cha Kroeung Sach Moan

For the Kroeung (Lemongrass Paste):

✔ 3 stalks of lemongrass (thinly sliced)
✔ 4 cloves of garlic
✔ 2 shallots (chopped)
✔ 1-inch piece of galangal (sliced)
✔ 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric (or 1 tsp turmeric powder)
✔ 2-3 dried red chilies (optional, for heat)
✔ 3 kaffir lime leaves (thinly sliced)
✔ 1 tbsp shrimp paste (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Stir-Fry:

✔ 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thigh (thinly sliced)
✔ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
✔ 1 tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
✔ 1 tsp oyster sauce (adds a slight sweetness)
✔ 1 tsp sugar (balances the flavors)
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ ½ cup water or chicken broth (to keep it juicy)
✔ Handful of fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
✔ Sliced red chilies (for extra heat, optional)

How to Make Cha Kroeung Sach Moan

Step 1: Prepare the Kroeung Paste

1. In a mortar and pestle (or food processor), pound together the lemongrass, garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric, chilies, and kaffir lime leaves until a smooth paste forms.
2. Add the shrimp paste (if using) and mix well.

💡 Tip: If using a food processor, add 1 tbsp of water to help blend the ingredients smoothly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with 1 tbsp of the kroeung paste, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
2. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

💡 Tip: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be!

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Dish

1. Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the remaining kroeung paste and stir-fry until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it starts to brown.
4. Pour in ½ cup of water or chicken broth, then let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Add fresh basil leaves and sliced red chilies (if using), then stir for another minute.
6. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

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Why You’ll Love Cha Kroeung Sach Moan

✅ Packed with Flavor – The kroeung paste infuses the dish with aromatic, citrusy, and earthy notes.
✅ Quick & Easy – This dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
✅ Nutritious & Protein-Packed – With lean chicken, fresh herbs, and minimal oil, it’s a healthy meal choice.
✅ Authentically Cambodian – Enjoy a true taste of Khmer cuisine right in your own kitchen!

Variations & Substitutes

🔸 Cha Kroeung Sach Ko (Beef Stir-Fry) – Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef for a heartier dish.
🔸 Cha Kroeung Sach Chrouk (Pork Stir-Fry) – Pork belly or tenderloin works well with this recipe.
🔸 Cha Kroeung Sach Trey (Fish Stir-Fry) – Use firm fish like catfish or tilapia for a lighter version.
🔸 Vegan Option – Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and omit the shrimp paste.

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Pairing Suggestions

🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice – The best way to soak up the bold flavors.
🥗 Cambodian Mango Salad (Nhoam Svay) – A refreshing contrast to the rich stir-fry.
🥘 Samlor Machu Kreung (Sour Lemongrass Soup) – Complements the flavors of the kroeung paste.

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Health Benefits of Kroeung

The lemongrass paste (kroeung) isn’t just flavorful it’s packed with health benefits:

✔ Lemongrass – Aids digestion and has antibacterial properties.
✔ Galangal – Supports gut health and reduces inflammation.
✔ Turmeric – Rich in curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
✔ Garlic & Shallots – Boosts the immune system and promotes heart health.

Final Thoughts

Cha Kroeung Sach Moan is a must-try Cambodian dish that brings together fragrant herbs, bold flavors, and tender chicken in one delicious stir-fry. It’s a dish that reflects Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage while being simple enough to make at home.

Whether you’re new to Khmer cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish will transport you straight to the streets of Phnom Penh with every bite.

Try this recipe today, and let us know how it turns out! What’s your favorite Cambodian dish? Leave a comment below! 👇