Homemade candied ginger is a deliciously sweet way to enjoy ginger. Plus, it’s super easy to make! All you need are three ingredients and some time to let the ginger boil, simmer, and cool down. Watch the video below to see how it comes together!

I’m always looking for ways to eat ginger as part of an overall healthy diet. This flowering plant has high levels of gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help with many symptoms — from indigestion to nausea to improving brain function. I guess you could say that ginger really does it all!

Ginger shots and quick pickled ginger are staples in my house, but when I want a sweet treat that also provides some of those same benefits I turn to this candied ginger recipe (also known as crystallized ginger). It’s chewy, spicy, slightly sweet, and a personal favorite of mine. It also makes for a great holiday food gift, similar to my candied orange peel recipe.

After you make this recipe, you’ll also have some leftover ginger syrup that can be used for teas, cocktails, marinades, and more (which I’ll talk about below). It’s a natural two-for-one deal you didn’t know you needed!

Candied Ginger Ingredients

• Fresh Ginger: It’s best to use young ginger that’s tender and mild in flavor, compared to mature ginger that is fibrous and has an intense flavor. Your best bet at finding large pieces of young ginger is at Asian markets such as H Mart or 99 Ranch.
• Reserved Water: This is the liquid you get from boiling the ginger first, which will then be re-used to boil the ginger with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: You can use any granulated sugar you like. Just remember that the color of your sugar will determine how dark or light the candy is. White sugar will give your candied ginger a light and bright coloring with a snowy sugar coating, while less processed coconut or turbinado sugar will darken the ginger slightly.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below

How To Make Candied Ginger

Peel the ginger using the edge of a spoon. I find that this is the easiest way to peel it!

Slice the ginger. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the ginger ⅛-inch thick. You can slice the ginger into rounds or wider pieces, it’s up to you. Note: the ginger slices will reduce in size from boiling.

Boil the ginger. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat and add the sliced ginger. Boil for 30 minutes, covered, then drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving the water.

Simmer with sugar. Add the ginger back to the pot along with 2 cups of the reserved water and two cups of sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the simple syrup has evaporated and the ginger is tender. Note: if your simple syrup is evaporating more quickly, you might be simmering too hot. You can always add a little bit more water.

Drain and cool. Drain the ginger again in a colander over a bowl to save the ginger simple syrup for future use (see note below). Then, lay the ginger in a single flat layer on a cooling rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool for 30 minutes.

Toss in sugar and dry. While the ginger slices are still sticky, toss them in a bowl with extra sugar for a final coating. You can also omit this part if you don’t want the sugar coating, but I find it extra delicious! Then, lay the ginger flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to completely dry (I prefer to let it dry overnight) before storing it in a container.

Common Questions

Ways To Use Candied Ginger

• Add to granola bars or energy balls. Since candied ginger has the same consistency as dates, it’s great for adding to trail mix granola bars or any sort of energy ball, like these mango date energy balls!
• Top onto sauces or jams. Add little chopped-up bits onto sauces or jams where you want a spiced ginger punch. I’m thinking cranberry sauce for the holidays or even a chia seed jam.
• Mix into salads. Chop up fine bits to add to salads for more texture and a hint of ginger! This is great for salads that have an Asian flair to them, like this Mandarin chicken salad.
• Eat it straight up. This is what I do most often! I store it in a jar and then grab a piece or two when I want a sweet treat.

More Ginger Recipes

• Jamu Juice: This Indonesian herbal turmeric ginger drink does wonders for the body!
• Carrot Ginger Soup: Carrots and ginger are a nutritious powerhouse duo! Plus, it’s a super tasty soup to enjoy during the winter.
• Garlic Ginger Bok Choy: Ginger works so well with sauteed vegetables, especially bok choy.
• Scallops with Citrus Ginger Sauce: Give scallops a citrus, spicy, peppery kick!