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Easy Ginger Candy Recipe + VIDEO
5 from 14 votes

Easy Ginger Candy Recipe + VIDEO

This ginger candy recipe uses thinly sliced fresh ginger simmered until tender, then cooked in a sugar syrup until crystallized and dried to create chewy, sweet-spicy pieces. The candy balances the sharp heat of ginger with sweetness, enhanced optionally by vanilla or orange extract. The coating of crystallized sugar gives the candies a delicate crunch while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Drying Time
2 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 84 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Japanese, American

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pound ginger root fresh
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel the ginger root and slice into 1/8 inch rounds.
  2. Place the ginger slices in a large 6 quart sauce pot. Add the water. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes to soften the ginger.
  3. Remove the lid and check the liquid levels. There should be approximately 1/4 - 1/3 cup of water in the bottom of the pot. If needed, scoop out some water with a ladle, or add water, to make sure you have about ¼ cup in the pot.
  4. Stir in the sugar and salt. Bring the sugar syrup to a simmer. Simmer, stirring regularly, for 15-20 minutes, until the syrup starts to crystalize. The color will range from pale cream to golden. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Set out a baking rack. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Use tongs to move the ginger pieces to the rack, spreading out in a single layer.
  6. Allow the ginger to rest for 2-4 hours, until all the pieces are dry.
  7. Place in an airtight container. The ginger candy will last for at least 1 month if kept in a cool dry place.

Notes

  • Adding vanilla or orange extract provides a complementary aroma that balances the spiciness of ginger.
  • Ensure the syrup reaches the correct crystallization stage by observing the color change from clear to light golden.
  • Dry the ginger slices thoroughly on a nonstick surface for 2-4 hours before storing to prevent stickiness.
  • Store the finished ginger candy in an airtight container in a cool place; it will keep for at least one month.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1oz Calories 84kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 55mg (2%) Potassium 98mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 17g (34%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 6mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 84

% Daily Value*

Serving 1oz
Calories 84kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 55mg 2%
Potassium 98mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 17g 34%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 6mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.