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Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe

Erin Rains
Before we delve into the sweet world of homemade candied ginger, let’s chat about what you can pair it with. This zesty treat can elevate various dishes and drinks. Imagine adding it to your morning oatmeal or yogurt—a delightful twist that’ll give your breakfast a little kick.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 196 kcal

Equipment

  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pound fresh young ginger
  • 2 cups water reserved from boiling ginger
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar with extra for coating at the end

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ginger

  • Begin by peeling the ginger root. There’s nothing fancy here—a simple vegetable peeler will do the job.
  • Once peeled, slice the ginger into thin pieces; about 1/8 inch thick works best. Don’t sweat it if some slices are uneven. Each piece will yield its unique flavor.

Step 2: Boil the Ginger

  • Next, fill a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add in the sliced ginger.
  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. You want the ginger to become tender but not mushy. This step infuses the ginger with a lovely sweetness.

Step 3: Sweeten and Simmer

  • After the ginger is tender, drain the water and reserve it. You can use this ginger-infused water in teas or soups.
  • Return the ginger to the saucepan, and add 2 cups of sugar along with 1/2 cup of the reserved ginger water. Stir it well. Slowly bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Coating with Sugar

  • You’ll notice that the ginger will become translucent and coated in syrup. This is your cue! Using a slotted spoon, remove the ginger slices from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack.
  • Allow them to cool for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling, toss the slices in granulated sugar until they are well-coated.

Step 5: Let It Dry

  • Let the coated ginger sit on the rack for a few hours until it’s fully dry. This is essential as it allows the sugary coating to set. Once dried, your candied ginger is ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

Creating perfect homemade candied ginger is easy with these handy tips:
  • Select Quality Ginger: Fresh, young ginger provides the best flavor. Look for firm roots without any blemishes.
  • Don’t Rush the Boiling: Allowing the ginger to simmer long enough is crucial for tenderness. A properly boiled ginger makes for a chewy treat.
  • Sugar Coating: After the drying process, roll the ginger in sugar again if you prefer it extra sweet.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a twist.
  • Store Properly: Keep your candied ginger in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 1.1gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 166mgFiber: 4gSugar: 25gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe
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