Delicious Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken Recipe

                                        Delicious Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken Recipe

This dish balances sweet and savory flavors with caramelized sugar, spicy ginger, and tender chicken. It creates a rich, aromatic sauce that's both tasty and hard to resist. This recipe is a classic of Vietnamese cuisine.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Serve: 2

Why You'll Love This Recipe

·       Sweet and Savory Flavors: The caramelized sugar gives a deep, rich flavor. Ginger and garlic add a spicy, aromatic touch.

·       Tender and Juicy Chicken: The chicken cooks perfectly, becoming tender and juicy while soaking up the sauce's flavors.

·       Easy to Make: Even with its rich flavors, this recipe is simple to prepare, suitable for cooks of all skill levels.

·       Versatile: You can change the recipe to fit your taste by adding your favorite ingredients like bell peppers or snow peas.

·       Authentic Vietnamese Flavor: This dish showcases the balance of flavors and textures found in Vietnamese cuisine, perfect for those eager to try new, authentic foods.

INGREDIENTS

·       1-pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 

·       2 tablespoons fish sauce 

·       1 tablespoon soy sauce 

·       1 tablespoon brown sugar 

·       2 cloves garlic, minced. 

·       1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated 

·       1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

·       1/4 teaspoon black pepper 

·       2 tablespoons of water 

·       1 tablespoon caramel sauce (or substitute with honey) 

·       Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish 

Tools & Equipment 

·       Large skillet or wok 

·       Cutting board 

·       Measuring cups and spoons 

·       Whisk 

·       Spatula 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Step 1.

In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 10 minutes. 

Step 2.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. 

Step 3.

Add the marinade and water to the skillet. Bring it to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. 

Step 4.

Stir in the caramel sauce (or honey) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. 

Step 5.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions. Serve hot with steamed rice. 

Macro Breakdown (per serving) 

v  Calories: 350 

v  Protein: 30g 

v  Fat: 15g 

v  Saturated Fat: 3g 

v  Carbohydrates: 20g 

v  Fiber: 0g 

v  Sugar: 15g 

v  Sodium: 400mg 

Tips and Variations 

v  Use chicken breast or tofu for a leaner protein option. 

v  Add heat with red pepper flakes or sriracha. 

v  Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad. 

v  Substitute caramel sauce with honey or maple syrup. 

FAQs

1. Q: What type of sugar is used in Vietnamese caramel sauce? 

   A: Vietnamese caramel sauce typically uses white or brown sugar, which caramelizes to create a deep, rich flavor. 

2. Q: Can I use different types of protein in this recipe? 

   A: Yes, you can replace it with proteins like pork or shrimp for a variation of this dish. 

3. Q: How spicy is this recipe? 

   A: This recipe has moderate heat from the ginger, but you can adjust it by adding more or less chili peppers. 

4. Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? 

   A: Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate or freeze it. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. 

5. Q: What is the significance of caramel sauce in Vietnamese cuisine? 

   A: Caramel sauce is common in Vietnamese cooking. It adds depth and richness to dishes like braised pork or chicken and is a key element in many Vietnamese recipes.