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Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken: A Flavorful Dinner Delight

This Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken recipe beautifully melds sweet and savory notes, offering a delightful twist to your weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken thighs can use chicken breasts for a leaner option
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch essential for coating the chicken to achieve crispiness
For the Rice
  • 1 cup jasmine rice long-grain rice is a suitable alternative
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter olive oil can be used for a dairy-free version
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Shanghai bok choy baby spinach or kale works well as substitutes
  • 1 medium carrot zucchini can be a vibrant seasonal alternative
  • 2 stalks green onion offers a mild onion flavor
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger fresh ginger is ideal
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce mushrooms or soy sauce can substitute for a vegan alternative
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce soy sauce works well for vegetarian adaptations
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar coconut sugar serves as a great substitute
For Topping
  • 1/4 cup crispy shallots substitute with fried onions or omit for a lighter finish
  • salt essential seasoning
  • pepper essential seasoning

Equipment

  • large non-stick pan
  • pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Once boiling, add the rice and cook for 12-14 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Slice the bok choy into thick strips, cut the carrots into half-moons, and mince about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Separate green onions into whites and greens.
  3. In a large non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add bok choy and a splash of water along with 2 tablespoons of vegetarian oyster sauce. Remove the veggies and keep warm.
  4. Pat dry 1 pound of chicken thighs and coat with cornstarch, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until it bubbles. Stir in minced ginger and green onion whites, then add 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of water. Return the chicken to the pan for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Fluff the cooked jasmine rice, mixing in half of the crispy shallots. On serving plates, divide the rice and sautéed veggies, then place the caramelized chicken on top and garnish with remaining green onion greens and crispy shallots.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure to rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly for fluffy grains and watch the sauce closely for the perfect consistency.

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