Imagine the tantalizing aroma of caramelized ginger wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a dish that’s both sweet and savory. Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 45 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress family and friends alike. Ready to unlock the secrets of this delicious recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the fresh ginger and garlic finely.
- In a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt and caramelize, watching carefully to prevent burning. The sugar will gradually turn from white to golden brown and then a deep amber color.
- Carefully add the water to the caramelized sugar. The mixture will bubble and steam intensely, so use caution. Stir gently until the caramel dissolves and creates a smooth sauce.
- Add the fish sauce to the caramel sauce and stir to combine. The sauce will become slightly thinner and have a rich, golden-brown color.
- Add the vegetable oil to the pan, then introduce the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the aromatics.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them completely with the caramel-fish sauce mixture. Spread the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. The chicken will develop a deep golden-brown color and the sauce will reduce and become sticky.
- Check the chicken for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be thick and clinging to the chicken pieces.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly during this time.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Accompany with steamed jasmine rice to complete the meal.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless chicken thighs, as they remain juicy and tender during cooking. Avoid chicken breasts, which can dry out more easily.
- Monitor the Caramelization: When melting the sugar, keep a close eye on it. The perfect caramel should be a deep amber color, but be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Add Water Carefully: When adding water to the caramelized sugar, stand back! The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so use a long-handled spoon to stir it gently.
- Sauté Aromatics: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the garlic and ginger. This enhances their flavors and adds depth to the dish. Just be cautious not to let them burn.
- Cook Evenly: Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer in the pan for even cooking and caramelization. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Check for Doneness: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken further and makes for a more flavorful dish.
- Serve with Jasmine Rice: Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious caramel sauce, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 419kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
