Vietnamese Ginger Chicken, or Gà Kho Gừng, is a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish that embodies the essence of Vietnamese home cooking. This classic recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory sauce infused with the pungent warmth of ginger, the sweetness of caramelized sugar, and a hint of fish sauce for umami depth. The result is a dish that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying, perfect served with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables. It's a dish that's easy to master, yet delivers restaurant-quality results.
The beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes Gà Kho Gừng a true culinary delight. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance, utilizing readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Ready to experience the magic of this Vietnamese masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this incredibly flavorful chicken dish together!
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Large saucepan or wok
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: 1 kg
- Ginger: 1 large piece
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Shallots: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon + 2 tablespoons
- Chicken stock: 1 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Cracked pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1 1/2 cups
- Cilantro
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate Chicken
- Chop chicken into large pieces. (Chicken will shrink during cooking).
- Peel and slice ginger into thin strips.
- Marinate chicken in a bowl with garlic, shallots, salt, sugar, chicken stock, fish sauce, pepper, and ginger strips for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2. Caramelize and Cook Chicken
- In a saucepan or wok, melt 2 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat until caramelized (dark amber color).
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until no longer pink.
Step 3. Simmer and Reduce Sauce
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water (or chicken broth/coconut soda/juice), bring to a boil, skim off foam, and lower heat to medium.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, skimming off scum and fat as needed, until the sauce is reduced by 1/3.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with cilantro and black pepper.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Work quickly when caramelizing the sugar to prevent it from becoming flat.
- Control the heat to prevent burning the sugar.
- Skimming off scum and fat helps control the diet and improve the appearance of the dish.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken for Ga Kho Gung?
Both work well! Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the sauce, but boneless is quicker to cook.
2. What can I substitute for fish sauce if I don't have any?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but it won't give the same unique umami flavor. You can try a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of Worcestershire sauce.
3. How long can I store leftover Ga Kho Gung?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly over time!
With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this Vietnamese Ginger Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the fragrant aroma and deeply satisfying flavors of this classic dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Now go forth and create your own delicious version of Ga Kho Gung!