Caramelized Chicken Ga Kho
Indulge in the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Caramelized Chicken Ga Kho, a Vietnamese classic that transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in aromatic fish sauce and freshly ground black pepper, then simmered to perfection in a rich, amber-hued caramel sauce. The dish is infused with the unmistakable warmth of ginger, garlic, and onions, while optional red chili adds a spicy kick for those who love heat. Perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and umami flavors, this one-pan recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it a delicious and time-saving choice for weeknight dinners. Serve this irresistible caramelized chicken with steamed rice to soak up every last drop of the glossy sauce, and garnish with scallions for a pop of freshness. A true Vietnamese comfort dish, Ga Kho brings a touch of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine to your table.
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Ingredients
- 900 grams Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
- 60 ml Fish sauce
- 45 grams Granulated sugar
- 60 ml Water
- 15 ml Cooking oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 15 grams Ginger (julienned)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 medium Red chili (thinly sliced, optional)
- 2 stalks Scallions (chopped, for garnish)
- 4 servings Steamed rice (for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Cut the chicken thighs into medium-sized pieces if using bone-in thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce and black pepper. Add the chicken to the mixture and marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Step 3
In a large wok or skillet over medium heat, combine the sugar and water to make the caramel sauce. Cook while stirring occasionally until it turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
Step 4
Once the caramel reaches the desired color, immediately add the cooking oil and stir to incorporate.
Step 5
Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and julienned ginger to the caramel. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the marinated chicken pieces along with the fish sauce marinade to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken in the caramel mixture.
Step 7
Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to sear and develop color. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 8
Lower the heat to medium, cover, and let the chicken cook for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water in small amounts if the sauce becomes too thick or starts to stick to the pan.
Step 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more fish sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
Step 10
For extra heat, stir in the sliced red chili during the final few minutes of cooking.
Step 11
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped scallions and additional black pepper if desired.
Step 12
Serve hot with steamed rice to enjoy the flavorful caramelized chicken.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1942.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3139.0 |
| Total Fat 136.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 34.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 729mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5857.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 252.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 56.0g | |
| Protein 207.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 63IU | 0% |
| Calcium 283.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3064.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories