Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that features tender chicken glazed in a delicious caramel sauce, balanced by the savory notes of fish sauce, and the fresh zing of ginger. This dish is a perfect example of the harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that Vietnamese cuisine is known for. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramel Ginger Chicken is bursting with flavors. The sweet caramelized sugar creates a rich, glossy glaze that coats the chicken, while the fish sauce adds a deep umami flavor. The addition of fresh ginger, shallots, and chili brings warmth and depth to the dish, while the rice serves as a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Vietnam.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 kg / 2 lb skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into large 5cm/2″ pieces

• 3 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 bird’s eye chili or Thai chili, deseeded and finely minced (optional)

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, tightly packed

• 1/3 cup ginger, finely julienned (about 5 cm/2″ thick piece)

• 2 eschallots (or 1/2 red onion), halved and finely sliced

• 1/2 cup boiling water

For Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh coriander (cilantro) or green onion slices

• Red chili, finely sliced (optional)

• Jasmine rice or other plain rice of choice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Toss the chicken pieces with the fish sauce and minced chili (if using). Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients. Marinating overnight is optional but not necessary.

Prepare the Pan:

1. Use a large non-stick pan (30cm/12″ or larger). If your pan is smaller, be prepared to remove the chicken at the end to speed up the sauce reduction.

Make the Caramel:

1. In the cold pan, mix the vegetable oil and brown sugar.

2. Turn the heat to medium-high. As soon as the sugar melts and begins to caramelize, remove the pan from the stove.

3. Carefully add the chicken (it will sizzle, so be cautious!) and toss briefly to coat in the caramel. Add the ginger and shallots and toss again. The caramel may harden, but that’s fine—it will re-melt as you cook.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Put the pan back on the stove and stir until the chicken turns from pink to white all over (but not browned or cooked through).

Simmer:

1. Add the boiling water, stir, and bring it to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat (or even high heat!).

2. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the liquid reduces into a glaze. If your pan is smaller or your stove is weaker, it may take a little longer.

3. Stir occasionally while it’s still watery. Once the liquid reduces to a glaze, toss the chicken regularly to get a nice color on the chicken. The further you cook it, the better the caramelization!

Serve:

1. Serve the caramelized chicken over jasmine rice or any plain rice of your choice.

2. Garnish with extra slices of chili and fresh coriander.

3. For a complete meal, consider serving with smashed cucumbers or Asian slaw as a refreshing side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep Time: 7 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more chili or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy to the stir fry for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a pan over medium heat. Add a little splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but chicken thighs are preferred for this dish as they remain tender and juicy during cooking. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a pan and serve over fresh rice for a quick meal.

3. Can I use a different type of chili?

Yes, you can use any type of chili that you prefer. Thai bird’s eye chili provides the perfect balance of heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

4. How do I make the caramel without burning the sugar?

To avoid burning the sugar, keep the heat at medium-high and be sure to stir the sugar regularly as it begins to melt. As soon as it’s melted and bubbling, remove the pan from the heat before adding the chicken.

5. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, if you like spicy food, you can add more bird’s eye chilies or a few dashes of chili flakes to increase the heat level.

6. Can I use a wok for this recipe?

Yes, a wok works perfectly for this recipe. The wide surface area allows for even cooking and caramelization of the chicken.

7. Can I use a different type of sugar for the caramel?

Brown sugar is ideal for this recipe, as it adds richness and depth to the caramel. However, you could experiment with coconut sugar or white sugar if you prefer.

8. How can I avoid the sauce becoming too thick?

If the sauce reduces too much, you can add a little more boiling water to thin it out. Stir regularly to ensure the sauce doesn’t over-reduce.

9. Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?

While homemade caramel sauce is best for this recipe, you could use a store-bought caramel sauce, though it may lack the depth and authenticity of the freshly made version.

10. How do I make this dish less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar and increase the fish sauce for a more savory flavor profile.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The caramelized chicken, infused with ginger, fish sauce, and a hint of chili, is a standout dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice with a garnish of fresh coriander and chili for a comforting, flavorful meal. Enjoy!

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