VIETNAMESE GINGER RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat a heavy saucepan on medium high for about a minute until pan is hot, add sugar and turn heat down to medium. Caramelize sugar for about 1 minute. Keep a close watch to make sure sugar is brown, but not burnt.
• Add ginger and stir for about 10 seconds.
• Add remaining ingredients except scallions. Turn the pieces and brown the chicken for about 2 minutes.
• Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until liquid in the pan is reduced to half. Sauce should be brown and thick. About 10 minutes if you're using boned in whole thighs. If you're using boneless, skinless chicken the cooking time is reduced to about 6 minutes. Over cooking will make the meat tough.
• Garnish with scallion and serve with steamed rice.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. In a small bowl, mix the chilli, if using, with the ginger and soy. Tip the chicken into a roasting pan large enough that there is a two-finger width space between each piece. Pour in the marinade and stir to coat. Add the onion quarters, then arrange the lemon slices in between the pieces of chicken. Roast for 35 minutes, basting halfway through, until the chicken is tender
• Remove from the oven, pour any juices into a small pan, then return the chicken and onions to the oven. Add the butter to the juices with the honey and lemon zest, and cook for a few minutes until it has reduced by a third.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly pour over the honey sauce, then cook for a further 5-10 minutes or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced at the thickest point. Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• While the chicken rests, heat the oil in a medium pan over a medium heat and fry the shallots for 2-3 minutes until golden. Add the garlic, stirring to keep it from burning, then tip in the greens with a splash of water to help them cook. Season and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
• Serve with extra chilli flakes or chilli oil, if you like, and the steamed rice and green vegetables on the side.