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These little candied ginger treats are addictive. I have been messing with candied ginger for almost a year now and I thought it was about time to share my Candied Ginger recipe. If you like sweets with a kiss of ginger bite, this recipe is going to be for you. This is an easy recipe and you will make some delicious little treats, but be warned that they are going to disappear quickly.
Candied Ginger Recipe Basics
The beauty of this candied ginger recipe is in the simplicity of it. To make this recipe, we take a hunk of peeled ginger and slice it up. Then, let it simmer for a long while with water and sugar. This softens the ginger in such a way that makes it edible and also imparts the sweet syrup into the root.
After a final dusting of sugar and a bit of time in the refrigerator, you end up with a delicious sweet treat.
How To Cut The Ginger
This really is a personal choice, but I like to make long, thin strips of ginger. Almost how a typical slice of beef jerky might be cut. I have cut it in small rounds, as well.
One of the interesting things about ginger root is the nonconformity of it all. So much of what we find in the produce section today has been genetically messed with so much over the years, that everything conforms to be the same. Ginger, however, is a big knotty mess and I love it. All of the nooks and crannies of the root give it this sort of chaotic feel.
This means that the shape of your candied ginger must conform to the ginger you have on hand! You can, however, have a say in what your candied ginger looks like if you start at the grocery store. In shopping for this candied ginger recipe, I look for the hunk of root that is big and looks like has at least one big girthy section that will allow me to get a nice sized ginger piece lengthwise.
Then, when I actually cut it, I first peel and then make length cuts so that I have little slabs or planks of ginger. A key to this recipe is to understand that the thicker you cut the ginger, the longer it will take for it to become candied. I slice my ginger ¼ inches or less, no matter if you cut it lengthwise or crosscut.
Don’t Throw Away the Syrup
Perfect opportunity to make something with a dual use! The ginger syrup that is left behind could be used for a cocktail, a sweetener for tea, or anything that needs a sugar glaze.
Dusting and Refrigeration
Once you are done simmering the ginger, we want to get a nice dusting of sugar granules to give it that candied feel. Just add the done ginger to a sealable container with a few tablespoons of sugar, cover, and then shake.
Finally, these little treats are best served cold. Place on a paper towel covered plate. If you just put on a plate, there is a chance that the liquid just stays on the plate and doesn’t allow the candied ginger to solidify or form a nice piece of candy. It can just end up being goopy if you don’t allow the ginger to both cool and dry.
I am telling you… these don’t last long, but they are so tasty. If you enjoy this recipe, let me know! Otherwise, share this Candied Ginger recipe on Pinterest and make sure to subscribe to get updates via email!
Products I Used in This Recipe
PrintCandied Ginger Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Global
Description
You will have never seen a candy disappear so fast. This Candied Ginger recipe is so easy and delicious that you will be racing to your kitchen to make more.
Ingredients
- 6 Ounces of ginger (approximate)
- 2 cups of sugar + 2 tablespoons for dusting
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
- Peel and slice (lengthwise) ginger root
- Add all ingredients, minus two tablespoons sugar, to medium pan and bring to boil
- Once boiling, reduce to simmer for 1 hour
- Using tongs, remove all ginger and remove excess moisture
- Add remaining sugar and ginger to Tupperware or bag and shake to cover with sugar
- Put candied ginger on paper towel lined plate and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
- Keep in fridge and eat within 1 month.
Notes
Much of the sugar remains in the syrup and it is hard to determine calories. My ESTIMATE is that each serving (1 ounce) soaks up 2 tablespoons white sugar and is coated with two teaspoons.
These are so, so good! Fun little treats and great on their own, but I also made the cookie you have and great for that, too.
THX so much, Ben … best, easiest and most thoughtful Ginger Tea recipe to know. We love your food blog site!
Thank you for giving it a try!
I LOVE candied ginger. Can I just keep it in its syrup in a jar in the fridge? It would be messier to eat, but I’m sure it wouldn’t have to keep very long.
I don’t see why not? I tend to put the syrup aside and use for cocktails. 🙂