Stem Ginger Recipe: How to Make Homemade Preserved Ginger in Syrup

If you’ve been seeking a stem ginger recipe to add a flavor boost to your homemade desserts and savory dishes, look no further! Making homemade stem ginger in syrup is easier than it sounds. Once you’ve tried this sweet, spicy treat, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. It’s also a great recipe to have on hand for holiday baking or gifting. Let’s dive in and learn how to create your own stem ginger.

What is Stem Ginger?

Before we dive into our stem ginger recipe, let’s first understand what stem ginger is. Stem ginger is fresh young ginger root that has been peeled and cooked in a sugar syrup. This process preserves the ginger and gives it a sweet, spicy flavor. It’s a real ginger hit that’s perfect for cooking, baking, or just enjoying as a sweet treat.

Choosing Your Ginger

When making your own stem ginger, it’s important to choose the right kind of ginger. Fresh ginger root with a thicker skin is ideal for this recipe as it holds up well during the cooking process. Avoid old ginger with wrinkly skin, and instead opt for fresh, plump pieces. You can easily find it in the produce section of your grocery store or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can pick up a bag of ginger and grow your own!

Preparing Your Ginger

Once you’ve got your fresh ginger root, it’s time to prep it for your stem ginger recipe. Start by washing the ginger thoroughly with cold soapy water to remove any dirt or grime. Then, using a spoon or a peeler, carefully peel the skin off the ginger. For this recipe, you’ll want to cut your peeled ginger into roughly equal-sized pieces.

Cooking Your Ginger

After you’ve prepped your ginger pieces, it’s time to cook them. Add your ginger to a pot with enough water to cover it, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about an hour, until the ginger is tender. This initial boil is important as it softens the ginger and reduces its initial sharpness, making it perfect for our stem ginger recipe.

Preparing the Sugar Syrup

While your ginger is cooking, you can start preparing the sugar syrup. This simple syrup is made by combining equal parts of sugar and water in a pot. You can use white sugar, caster sugar, or brown sugar depending on your preference. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Making Your Stem Ginger

Once your ginger pieces are tender and your syrup is ready, it’s time to combine them. Drain the ginger from its cooking water and add it to the sugar syrup. Continue to cook this mixture on low heat for another hour, or until the ginger becomes translucent. The longer the cooking time, the more intense the flavor will be. So, be patient — good things come to those who wait!

Storing Your Stem Ginger

After your ginger has finished cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the ginger along with its sweet syrup into an airtight container. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for a long time, and the flavor will only improve with age. Make sure to always use a clean spoon when handling your homemade stem ginger to prevent contamination.

Using Your Homemade Stem Ginger

Your homemade stem ginger can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s a great addition to ginger cake, gingerbread cake, and stem ginger cookies. You can also use it to top ice cream, stir into soda water for a refreshing drink, or even chop it up and add it to stir fry for a unique twist. And don’t forget the ginger syrup! It’s perfect for making drinks, drizzling over desserts, or even using as a simple syrup in savory dishes.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Besides being a delicious addition to many dishes, ginger also has numerous health benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its ability to help with digestion, and its potential to reduce nausea and fight the flu and common cold. So, making this stem ginger recipe at home is not only a fun project but also a healthy one!

Now that you have this great stem ginger recipe, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start cooking. We’re sure that once you’ve tasted your own stem ginger, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version. So, why wait? Get started on your stem ginger journey today!