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Vietnamese Ginger Chicken

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 45 mins
Servings 4
Best Season Suitable throughout the year, Spring, Fall, Summer
Description

Gà kho gừng, or Vietnamese ginger chicken, is a comforting and flavorful dish commonly found on Vietnamese family tables. Made with simple ingredients like chicken, ginger, and fish sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Simmered to perfection, gà kho gừng is a satisfying and heartwarming meal that highlights the beauty of simple, honest cooking.

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large piece ginger, julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 bird's eye chilies, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
  • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
    Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
    2. Cook the Ginger and Garlic
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the julienned ginger and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
    3. Brown the Chicken
  3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, skin side down, and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should develop a nice golden color.
    4. Simmer the Chicken
  4. Pour in the water and add the sliced chilies, if using. Stir to combine, then cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally and add a bit more water if the sauce reduces too much.
  5. Adjust and serve–Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed.
  6. Once done, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions and sliced peppers and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Maricel's Tips
  • I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken for this recipe because it adds more flavor to the dish. However, you can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a quicker cooking time.
  • If you love ginger, feel free to add more to intensify the flavor. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, reduce the ginger slightly—just don’t skip it, as it’s the star of the dish!
Keywords: gà kho gừng recipe, Vietnamese ginger chicken, ginger chicken stew, savory chicken dish, fish sauce chicken recipe, traditional Vietnamese dish, simple Vietnamese recipes, sweet and spicy chicken, comforting Vietnamese meals, easy ginger chicken recipe
Read it online: https://maricelskitchen.com/recipe/vietnamese-ginger-chicken/