Vietnamese Ginger Chicken | Gà Kho Gừng Recipe
Vietnamese Ginger Chicken | Gà Kho Gừng Recipe
This recipe is an excerpt from my cookbook, The Memory of Taste.
The offcuts of chicken were staples of my parents’ kitchen, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy them was in this dish, which my mom made from chicken wings. The wings are simmered with shallot, lemongrass, Makrut lime leaves, and plenty of ginger, and the gelatin in the chicken breaks down and combines with a rich coconut caramel sauce to create a deeply savory braising liquid. While you could do this recipe with bone- in chicken thighs, the wings really offer the best of all worlds here, especially if you’re like me and love chewing on bones and gelatinous skin.
Ingredients
Instructions
Hi there!
I’m Tu David Phu—a chef, storyteller, and proud Oakland native with a deep love for the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. This space reflects everything I hold close: the roots that shaped me, the flavors that define me, and the stories I’m passionate about sharing.
From my mom’s apartment garden in Oakland to collaborating with kitchens, farmers, craftsmen, producers, scientists, and thought leaders around the world, everything here is a celebration of connection. As a Vietnamese-American shaped by Third Culture, my work honors tradition while embracing the influences of the communities that surround and inspire us.
These experiences, flavors, and relationships are simple, soulful, and deeply personal. My hope is that they inspire you to cook with heart, explore with curiosity, and celebrate the vibrant intersections of culture and cuisine.
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Curious about what I’ve been up to? Dive into the stories, flavors, and passions that shape my journey:
GiGi's – My Vietnamese-inspired wine bar in San Francisco, where tradition meets innovation.
Bloodline – An Emmy-nominated PBS documentary sharing the rich cultural history and personal journey behind my food.
The Memory of Taste – My cookbook, co-authored with Soleil Ho, celebrates Vietnamese heritage and food's power to tell stories.
Food Journeys – From TEDx talks to culinary panels, I share stories that explore culture, community, and the connections we create through cuisine.