Authentic Vietnamese Fried Quail

Learn how to make this savory dish for authentic Vietnamese fried quail, generally a delicious street food in Vietnam called Chim Cut Chien. It is a delicious recipe that you can make right at home.

You haven't tried homestyle Vietnamese food unless you have tried fried quail. While sticky rice stalls and pho stalls are all the rage for food ventors in Vietnam, the delicious flavors of crispy fried quail are absolutely delicious. Quail roasting in hot boiling oil pans is truly street food art form.

While the most authentic versions are completely fried, I'm happy to share that grilling them at home are just as delicious (and albiet healthier as well). Often, most people prefer smaller sized quails versus the standard size ones because they can eat the whole quail (even the bones).

vietnamese fried crispy quail chim cut chien

Table of Contents

All About Vietnamese Fried Quail

What does Vietnamese Fried Quail taste like?

The marinade of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, shallots, and garlic along with the tender meat of a small quail makes it a delicious, melt-in-your mouth bite. It taste like regular chicken wings, but a little more tender, which provides an amazing texture blended with the sweetness of the marinade.

What are other names for Vietnamese Fried Quail?

Vietnamese fried quail is also known and referenced as:

Chim Cut Chien Bo
Cut Chien Bo Bang Noi Chien Khong Dau
Chim Cut Chien

Like many Vietnamese dishes, other regional versions of this recipe can be found in Laos, which is known as:

Hoc Thai Bing
Hoc Thai Chuen

What does mean Chim Cut Chien Bo mean?

Chim Cut refers to quail, chien means to fry, and bo means butter.

What is is Vietnamese fried quail served with?

Vietnamese fried quail is often served on it's own with lemon salt and pepper.

What are other variations of Vietnamese fried quail?

You'll find this recipe used with Chinese five spice powder, hoisin sauce, ground pepper, onion, as well. I prefer leaving it out as a preference.

There are also variations where this is pan fried as well.

Asian Grocery Store List for Vietnamese Fried Quail

Quail

You can often find fresh quail in the fresh meat section. Quail can also be found frozen in the frozen meat aisle as well. When choosing quail, as mentioned, if you prefer to eat the bone, make sure you choose smaller sized quail. If eating bone isn't your thing (it's not mine either), you can choose a bigger size for bigger meat helpings.

Chinese Five Spice

While you can find this spice at your local grocer, Asian grocery stores have generally rock bottom prices on spices bar none.

Oyster Sauce

I normally get Panda or the Thai Boat brand (in red).

Tips and Tricks Before Making Fried Vietnamese Quail

For a healthier version of this recipe, you can grill it outdoors. I prefer using a charcoal grill to give it that flavor. Authentically speaking, this recipe is usually fried in vegetable oil and/or pan fried.

If you purchase frozen quail, make sure you defrost them and completely dry them well after defrosting. Also, ensure that you wipe out the body cavity with paper towels if you purchased the quail fresh.

The best advice here is to marinate the quails overnight, which will bring the flavors to life.

How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Fried Crispy Quail Recipe

Ingredients for Fried Crispy Quail

6 small quails, with innards removed
2 small shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons of palm sugar
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of dry, crushed red chiles
vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions for Making Fried Crispy Quail

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together shallots, garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, dry crushed chiles, and oyster sauce.
Add in the quails and allow to marinate 4-6 hours or overnight.
Prepare vegetable oil to 360 degrees F. Fry the quail for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve.

Serving Vietnamese Fried Quail

Fried quail is often served with a side of lemon salt and pepper, a lime wedge, and a bowl of jasmine rice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Quail

Can you eat the bone when eating Vietnamese crispy fried quail?

As long as the quail is small, the bones of a quail can be edible, thus the bird can be eaten whole.

What can I substitute in place of quail?

You can replace this with chicken wings, which I often do for this recipe.

Summary About Authentic Vietnamese Chim Cut Chien Bo Recipe

This delicious fried quail recipe is absolutely divine and melds a ton of different flavors. If you have never tried quail, this is the best recipe to start because it is absolutely out of this world.

Other Vietnamese Recipes You Might Like

Here are some additional authentic and delicious Vietnamese meat recipes that you will love:

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