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Candied Ginger Recipe

Candied ginger is easy to make and great as candy or for garnishing cocktails and desserts. You only need a few ingredients for this recipe!

bowl of crystalized ginger

I started out with the idea to make candied ginger when I was playing around with Moscow mule garnishes.

Store-bought would have been fine, but that’s not how we do things.

“Homemade or go home,” I say. Or something like that.

The sweet and spicy combination of homemade crystalized ginger is my new favorite!

fresh ginger on a dark blue napkin

How To Make Candied Ginger

Start by peeling the ginger. This can be a BIG PAIN in booty.

I would recommend checking out this tutorial if you need some tips. 

When I’m in a hurry I will just slice the peel off with a knife but usually I go with the spoon method.

After the ginger has been peeled, it’s time to slice.

If you are using the candied ginger to garnish a cocktail, strips are better. If for candy or other uses, then cut it into thin rounds.

ginger boiling in a pot of distilled water and sugar

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Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan and then add the fresh ginger pieces.

Simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes.

Then drain the ginger using a colander – save the syrup!

Toss the ginger in sugar and let it dry and cool on a cooling rack

And that’s it.

Well, there may be a little more to do but detailed instructions are in the recipe card.

Scroll down to see the full recipe below!

straining softened, cooked ginger over a colander and bowl

What Tools Do I Need?

A medium pot, mesh strainer or colander, and a bowl are the basics.

A mandolin is my favorite tool for slicing fresh ginger.

You will want to slice the ginger around a ⅛″ and using a mandolin will make more consistently sized pieces.

Be careful though – mandolins are very sharp.

You will also need a drying rack – a cooling rack for baked goods works perfectly.

Place the rack on top of a sheet of parchment paper for easy cleanup. 

mixed cooked ginger slices in sugar

How long does homemade candied ginger last?

I recommend storing the dried candied ginger in an airtight container (like a mason jar.)

The store bought version will last for several months; the homemade version is preservative free so only lasts 2-3 weeks.

single piece of candied ginger

Different Ways to Use Candied Ginger

  • a quick snack or dessert
  • to top a cake, cookie, or cupcake
  • a garnish for a Moscow mule or other ginger cocktail

Cocktails That Need to Be Garnished with Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is easy to make and great as candy or for garnishing cocktails and desserts. You only need a few ingredients! How to Make Candied Ginger Pinterest image
bowl of crystalized ginger

Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is easy to make and great as candy or for garnishing cocktails or desserts. You only need a few ingredients!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Rest Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 1 hour
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 166.8kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ginger sliced ⅛" thick
  • 2 cups water
  • 2.5 cups white sugar separated

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized pot bring, 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar to a boil. When boiling, add the ginger and reduce heat to a simmer for 45 minutes..
  • Place a colander over a bowl and drain the mixture. Reserve the syrup for other uses.
  • Place a cooling rack over a sheet of parchment paper. Add the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a medium, clean bowl and toss softened ginger in the sugar. Place the sugar-covered ginger on the cooling rack. Let dry overnight, then place in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 166.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.9g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 3.4mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 41.7g | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 2.9mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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