Description
Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that transports your taste buds straight to Vietnam. This dish features succulent chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of caramelized sugar, fish sauce, and freshly grated ginger, creating a harmonious balance that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this one-pot meal pairs beautifully with steamed rice, allowing the luscious sauce to soak into every grain. With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6–8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1–2 Thai bird's eye chilies (chopped, optional)
- 1 cup water
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add granulated sugar and melt over medium heat until it turns deep amber color.
- Carefully stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced onion. Allow to sizzle until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet with water; cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness (165°F), transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve over steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added heat, include more bird's eye chilies or serve chili sauce on the side. Substitute chicken thighs with breasts or drumsticks if desired; adjust cooking time accordingly.