Vietnamese RecipesVietnamese Caramelized Chicken (Gà Kho) Recipe

I remember the first time I stumbled upon Gà Kho, and let me tell you, my taste buds practically did a happy dance. I was on the hunt for something sweet, savory, and just a tad exotic to jazz up my regular weeknight routine. One whiff of that caramel sauce bubbling away, and I knew I was about to discover my newest obsession.

It all started when I realized how much I love the sweet-and-salty magic that happens when sugar meets fish sauce in a steamy pot. There’s just something enchanting about that sticky, glossy glaze clinging to tender chicken pieces, begging to be paired with a fluffy bed of rice. Whenever I make Gà Kho now, I can’t help but feel like I’m bringing a little taste of Vietnam right into my kitchen—and I’m thrilled to share that experience with you.

If you’re searching for a dish that embodies the rich and savory flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Gà Kho. This Vietnamese Caramelized Chicken is a delightful balance of sweet and salty, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Each succulent bite, slowly simmered in a rich caramel sauce, will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of rice topped with these sweetly glazed, savory morsels—pure bliss!

Overview of Gà Kho

Gà Kho, or Vietnamese Caramelized Chicken, is a dish that I like to think of as comfort food with an exotic twist. It embodies the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, so characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. This dish showcases tender chicken thighs simmered in a glossy caramel sauce, creating an irresistible allure on every plate. It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavorful experience that brings folks together around the table to enjoy something both comforting and satisfying.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The flavors in Gà Kho come from a delightful combo of ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The sugar used for caramelization creates a sweet backbone, while fish sauce adds a deep, savory umami. Garlic and onions make my kitchen smell absolutely divine, and if I’m feeling a little spicy, I’ll toss in a few chili peppers. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish perfectly balances warmth and comfort in every bite.

Preparation Techniques

When I’m getting ready to whip up Gà Kho, I pay extra attention to the caramel sauce—it’s the heartbeat of this dish! I heat the sugar just until it’s a perfect golden brown (without crossing into burnt territory) before I introduce the chicken to its sweet partner in crime. As the chicken simmers, it soaks up all that sweet, salty magic. This step is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Gà Kho so special.

Serving Suggestions

I love piling Gà Kho on a bed of steaming white rice, where the sauce can get cozy with every grain. You can top it with red chili slices or fresh green onions if you’re craving a pop of color—or if you just want to impress your dinner guests with a little flair. The flavors are already bold and delightful, so simple garnishes go a long way toward adding brightness without distracting from the star of the show.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

Not only is Gà Kho a whirlwind of flavor, but it’s also a respectable source of protein thanks to those succulent chicken thighs. Each serving hovers around 360 calories, which means I can indulge in its deliciousness without feeling too guilty. The combination of fresh ingredients helps keep things balanced—and, honestly, who can resist a dish that’s both tasty and nourishing?

Cultural Significance

Gà Kho is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to Vietnamese culture and tradition. Families often bond over this comforting dish, sharing stories and laughter while savoring every bite. Whenever I serve Gà Kho, I feel like I’m taking part in something bigger—an unspoken connection to generations of cooks who’ve perfected this sweet-salty masterpiece over time.

Deliciously Sweet and Salty Gà Kho

Gà Kho features tender chicken pieces caramelized in a sauce made from sugar, fish sauce, and aromatic spices. The result is a dish that balances the sweetness of caramel with the savory umami of fish sauce—guaranteed to leave you craving more.

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Gà Kho features tender chicken pieces caramelized in a sauce made from sugar, fish sauce, and spices. The result is an irresistible dish that balances the sweetness of caramel with the umami of fish sauce, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/2 cup coconut water (or water)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2-3 red chili peppers, sliced (optional)
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Steamed rice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry. Season with black pepper and set aside.
2. Make the Caramel: In a large pot over medium heat, add the sugar and cook until it melts and turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Add Chicken: Once the caramel is ready, carefully add the chicken thighs to the pot, stirring to coat them in the caramel.
4. Simmer: Add the fish sauce, coconut water, garlic, onion, and chili peppers. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish Cooking: Uncover and let the sauce reduce for another 10-15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve: Serve the Gà Kho hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 360kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g