Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe on Food52 (2024)

5 Ingredients or Fewer

by: PhoebeLapine

October29,2013

5

2 Ratings

  • Makes 1 cup

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

This recipe is super easy thanks to the technique, which I borrowed from Alton Brown - no candy thermometer necessary! If you don’t own a cooling rack, a parchment paper-lined baking sheet does the job. The recipe also produces a lot of ginger sugar. Store this with the candied ginger and use to flavor various other creations! —PhoebeLapine

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • ½ pound fresh ginger root
  • ½ cup sugar
Directions
  1. Peel the ginger and cut it into the thinnest possible slices using a mandolin or chef’s knife. Place the sliced in a medium lidded saucepan and cover with enough water to submerge them. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 35 minutes. The slices will be a deeper shade of yellow and have a more rubbery consistency. Reserve ¼ cup cooking liquid and drain.
  2. Return the ginger to the pot along with the reserved cooking liquid and the sugar. Bring to a rapid simmer over a high flame. Turn the heat down to medium and continue to simmer the ginger, stirring frequently, until the liquid has evaporated and the sugar begins to crystallize, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the ginger immediately to a cooling rack or parchment-lined sheet pan. Spread in an even layer until cool enough to touch. Discard the excess ginger sugar, or reserve for another use. Store the candied ginger in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • fur8elise

  • pattyrat

  • Adelucchi

  • Deb Roseman

  • HRH

Recipe by: PhoebeLapine

Phoebe is a writer, gluten-free chef, culinary instructor, award-winning blogger, and author of The Wellness Project. You can find her healthy comfort food and gluten-free finds on www.FeedMePhoebe.com

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11 Reviews

Bella22410 June 10, 2020

Perfection!! Thank you so much for making this recipe so simple and easy to follow. I'm trying to expand my very limited baking and cooking skills and it's recipes like this that are making it such a success. Thanks again!

fur8elise January 24, 2016

I had 4 ounces of ginger and sliced it lengthwise with a vegetable peeler. Instead of discarding the water, I continued boiling the ginger until the liquid was reduced to ~1/2 cup and added 1/4 cup of sugar. The ginger was not yet translucent and there was no syrup, so I added another 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar. This time the sugar crystals appeared when the water was all evaporated and the ginger did become translucent a few minutes after the last addition of sugar. It came out perfectly. Delicious and peppery ginger flavor.

Catherine G. December 7, 2014

You have to add sugar after the cooking. If you look at the Alton Brown recipe he cooks it down and then dips the slices in sugar. Careless recipe directions D:

HRH December 10, 2014

Just looked up an Alton Brown candied ginger recipe from food network, no sugar dipping called for. Perhaps these aren't careless directions, but an adaptation of a different recipe than the one you're familiar with.

pattyrat December 23, 2013

Katie L, it looks like I have the same problem. Maybe didn't cook long enough after adding back to the pot with sugar and cooking liquid? The sugar didn't "crystalize."

Margaret W. January 29, 2017

Yes I had the same problem, what do I do with the ginger now that it has not crystallized. I'm very disappointed

Katie L. December 22, 2013

What did I do wrong? My ginger never "candied" after I drained, and then added the water back with sugar. Just carmelized the ginger instead and turned brown...

Adelucchi December 8, 2013

Thanks for this recipe. Planning a "make cookies for our neighbors" party with my granddaughter and a neighbor soon. Want to teach them about more body friendly sugars. Will this work with coconut sugar?

Teresa October 8, 2018

Yes! The first time I made it I used coconut sugar- fabulous many layered taste!👍🏻

PrayerPoseMom November 7, 2013

You just made my day! I love candied ginger; the possibilities and uses for it are endless.

Deb R. November 3, 2013

I can't wait to try this as I'm constantly trying to figure out what to do when I over indulge in ginger at the grocery store. I can't seem to pass it up when it's all fresh and plump! And please tell me you don't just drain off the extra water in the sink. Why not add it to a pot with tea bags for a nice gingery cup?

Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between crystallized ginger and candied ginger? ›

Fresh ginger is first peeled and then cut into thin slices or chunky cubes. The pieces of ginger are then candied in a sugar syrup to make chewy pieces. This is why crystallized ginger is also known as candied ginger. Crystalized ginger has many uses and can even be eaten on its own as a spicy-sweet snack!

How much crystallized ginger is safe to eat? ›

If you're a woman, try not to exceed 25 grams. Just one serving of crystallized ginger contains 30 grams of sugars, which is higher than the recommended maximum daily intake for women. As Harvard Health Publishing notes, excess sugar consumption may put you at risk for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems.

What are the benefits of eating crystallized ginger? ›

One study showed that athletes who consumed ginger following workouts felt reduced muscle pain. Ginger may also help with digestion, and is often used as a natural remedy to relieve nausea and vomiting, particularly from motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy.

Can I chop crystallized ginger in a food processor? ›

Cooking and Serving Tips

If you don't prefer slices, you can also chop the ginger into small cubes or matchsticks. If have a food processor, use it to slice ginger into perfect slices.

Can you eat too much candied ginger? ›

Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.

How much crystallized ginger equals fresh ginger? ›

Crystallized ginger is a great ginger substitute in baked goods or sweets and will add texture to the finished dish. You'll need to add more than fresh or dried to achieve the same flavor. We recommended 1/3-1/2 cup for every tablespoon.

What medications should not be taken with ginger? ›

Possible Interactions

Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Diabetes medications: Ginger may lower blood sugar.

Does ginger have a laxative effect? ›

"Ginger, a well-known spice with potent medicinal properties, offers potential as a natural and effective remedy for constipation. Its active compounds actively stimulate digestive processes, promoting bowel movement and relieving constipation.

What are the side effects of too much ginger? ›

It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause skin irritation for some people.

What illness is ginger good for? ›

Ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting and aid digestion . Antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger root may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and various types of infection. Ginger may also reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other health problems.

What happens to your body when you eat ginger everyday? ›

Research has shown that eating raw or cooked ginger in small quantities every day reduces muscle pain. The study showed that those who ate ginger everyday recovered faster from muscle soreness. Those who didn't eat ginger took a longer time to heal.

How many ginger chews can I eat a day? ›

Up to 4 chews per day.

How long does crystallized ginger last? ›

Properly stored, crystallized ginger will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years. To maximize the shelf life of crystallized ginger purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.

What's the best way to store crystallized ginger? ›

Once opened, refrigerate and consume within three months. Once opened, if stored in an airtight container, crystallized ginger will last for two years.

Is there a substitute for crystallized ginger? ›

Substitute For Crystalized Ginger

It is fresh ginger that has been cooked in sugar water and rolled in sugar. If you have a recipe that calls for this ingredient, you can substitute 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of crystallized ginger.

What do you use crystalized ginger in? ›

Spoon over hot rice and serve with chicken or fish. Sprinkle finely chopped pieces as a finishing touch on apple pie a la mode or a whipped cream-topped brownie. Combine diced Crystallized Ginger with nuts, brown sugar and spices for a baked apple or pear filling. Add chunks to a stir-fry for a sweet and spicy bite.

Does crystallized ginger dissolve? ›

[13] You can also make a simple ginger tea by steeping crystallized ginger for a few minutes in a cup of hot water. You won't even need to add sugar to this spicy herbal tea, as the sugar from the crystallized ginger will automatically dissolve.

Is crystallised ginger the same as glace ginger? ›

Fresh ginger that has been slowly cooked in sugar water and rolled in coarse sugar to preserve it. Also known as candied ginger or glace ginger, it has a wonderful sweet spicy taste and is commonly used in desserts and can easily be made at home (See recipes 102933 and 123111).

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