Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Perfectly Chewy
If you’ve ever tasted those golden, chewy, sweet pieces of candied ginger, you already know how addictive they can be. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, use it for baking, or add it to your tea for a spicy kick, homemade candied ginger is a treat that’s both delicious and beneficial for your health.
The good news? You don’t have to buy expensive store-bought versions. Making your own homemade candied ginger recipe is surprisingly simple and rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients — fresh ginger, sugar, and water — you can create a batch that tastes better than anything you’ll find in a package.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make candied ginger at home, how to store it properly, and even how to use the leftover syrup (trust me, it’s liquid gold!).
What Is Candied Ginger?
Candied ginger, also called crystallized ginger, is made by cooking slices of fresh ginger root in sugar syrup until they become tender and sweet. The slices are then coated in sugar and dried, creating a chewy texture with a spicy-sweet flavor.
It’s often used in:
- Baking (cookies, cakes, or muffins)
- Desserts (ice cream, puddings, and chocolate)
- Tea and cocktails
- Or simply as a healthy sweet snack
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe
There’s something special about making candied ginger from scratch. Not only is it fun, but the flavor is also unmatched. Here’s why this recipe is worth trying:
- Pure and natural: No preservatives or artificial additives.
- Customizable sweetness: You control how much sugar to use.
- Budget-friendly: Much cheaper than store-bought candied ginger.
- Bonus syrup: You get an incredible ginger syrup as a byproduct — perfect for drinks, desserts, and marinades.
- Long shelf life: Homemade candied ginger lasts for weeks when stored properly.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe
You only need three simple ingredients for this easy homemade candied ginger recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh ginger root
- 5 cups water
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
That’s it! With these, you’ll make chewy, spicy, and sweet candied ginger that’s as good as gourmet.
How to Make Homemade Candied Ginger Step by Step
Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of candied ginger at home.
Step 1: Peel and Slice the Ginger
Use a spoon to gently scrape off the skin of the ginger root — this prevents wasting too much of the flesh. Slice the ginger into thin, even pieces, about 1/8-inch thick.
Tip: The thinner the slices, the more tender your candied ginger will be.
Step 2: Boil the Ginger
Place the sliced ginger into a medium saucepan and cover it with water (about 5 cups). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30–40 minutes until the ginger is tender.
Drain the ginger, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. This liquid is packed with ginger flavor and will become your syrup base.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
Return the tender ginger slices to the pot along with:
- 1 cup of the reserved ginger water
- 2 ½ cups sugar
Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens and the ginger becomes translucent.
Step 4: Dry and Coat the Ginger
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ginger slices onto a wire rack or parchment paper to cool slightly.
While still tacky (not completely dry), toss the pieces in a bowl of sugar to coat them evenly. This gives them that classic crystallized look and keeps them from sticking together.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Allow the sugar-coated ginger to dry completely — about 4 to 6 hours at room temperature, or overnight. Once dry, store it in an airtight jar.
Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe Tips
To make your homemade candied ginger turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Choose fresh, firm ginger. The fresher the ginger, the better the flavor and texture. Young ginger gives a milder taste, while older ginger is spicier.
- Control the heat level. If you prefer milder candied ginger, boil the slices longer in plain water before adding sugar.
- Reuse the syrup. Don’t throw out the leftover syrup! It’s perfect for cocktails, tea, pancakes, or drizzling over yogurt.
- Dry it well. Proper drying prevents stickiness and extends shelf life.
- Use a candy thermometer (optional). The syrup should reach about 225°F (107°C) for perfect consistency.
How to Use Homemade Candied Ginger
Once you’ve made your candied ginger, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
1. As a Snack
Pop a few pieces in your mouth for a quick sweet-spicy treat that also helps with nausea or digestion.
2. In Baking
Chop and add to gingerbread cookies, cakes, muffins, or scones for bursts of warm flavor.
3. In Drinks
Add slices to hot tea, lemonade, or cocktails like a Moscow Mule or ginger mojito.
4. As a Garnish
Top desserts, oatmeal, or even ice cream with small bits of candied ginger for an elegant touch.
5. As a Gift
Pack your homemade candied ginger in small glass jars or pouches — it makes a thoughtful homemade holiday or hostess gift!
How to Store Candied Ginger
Storing homemade candied ginger properly ensures it stays fresh and chewy for weeks.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
- In the refrigerator: Keeps well for 1 to 2 months.
- In the freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
If it starts sticking together, toss the pieces in a bit more sugar before storing.
The Health Benefits of Candied Ginger
While candied ginger is a sweet treat, it still retains some of the natural benefits of ginger root, making it both tasty and functional. Here are a few benefits:
- Aids digestion: Ginger helps relieve nausea and soothe the stomach.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds like gingerol that reduce inflammation.
- Immune booster: Its warming nature can help fight off colds.
- Relieves motion sickness: Great to carry when traveling.
- Natural energy boost: The sugar and spice combo offers a quick pick-me-up.
Note: While healthy in moderation, candied ginger does contain sugar — so enjoy it mindfully.
Common Questions About Homemade Candied Ginger
1. What’s the difference between candied and crystallized ginger?
They’re basically the same thing! Both refer to ginger cooked in sugar syrup and coated in sugar crystals.
2. Can I make candied ginger without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar, but the texture will differ — less chewy and more sticky.
3. How do I make the ginger less spicy?
Boil the ginger slices in water once or twice before candying them to mellow the heat.
4. What can I do with the leftover syrup?
That syrup is pure flavor magic! Use it in cocktails, drizzle over pancakes, or stir into sparkling water for a homemade ginger soda.
Variations to Try
Want to experiment with your homemade candied ginger recipe? Try these fun variations:
- Spiced Candied Ginger: Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise to the syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Citrus Ginger: Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
- Honey Ginger: Replace part of the sugar with honey for a softer texture and floral sweetness.
- Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger: Dip pieces halfway into melted dark chocolate — perfect for gifting!
Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe (Quick Summary)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Drying Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 6–8 hours
Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh ginger root
- 5 cups water
- 2 ½ cups sugar (plus more for coating)
Instructions
- Peel and slice ginger thinly.
- Boil in water for 30–40 minutes until tender.
- Drain, saving 1 cup of the liquid.
- Add sugar and reserved water to pot with ginger; simmer for 35–45 minutes until translucent.
- Remove and coat slices in sugar.
- Dry for several hours or overnight.
- Store in airtight jars.
Final Thoughts
Making your own homemade candied ginger recipe is one of those kitchen projects that’s both simple and satisfying. It fills your home with an incredible aroma, and the results are delicious — sweet, spicy, and perfectly chewy.
Whether you’re using it to flavor baked goods, soothe an upset stomach, or simply enjoy as a snack, homemade candied ginger is a treat worth mastering. Plus, you’ll love having that flavorful ginger syrup as a bonus ingredient for drinks and desserts.
Once you make your first batch, you’ll never want to buy candied ginger from the store again!
