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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs served with gravy and mashed potatoes

Savory Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken

A quick and delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in just 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar, preferably brown sugar for depth
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce, optional but highly recommended
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed for best flavor
For Garnish
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Allow it to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Caramel Sauce
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep amber color (about 4-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
Add Flavor
  1. Once the caramel is ready, slowly add the soy sauce, fish sauce, grated ginger, and lime juice. The sauce will bubble vigorously, so stir carefully until combined.
Cook the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
Combine and Glaze
  1. Pour the caramel sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to coat the pieces evenly. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken.
Serve It Up
  1. Once the chicken is beautifully coated and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, alongside lime wedges.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, consider substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh. Customize the heat by adding chopped red chili or red pepper flakes. For a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last minute of cooking. Gluten-free option: substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.