Ginger Soy Chicken ไก่เค็ม - Hot Thai Kitchen

Ginger Soy Chicken ไก่เค็ม - Hot Thai Kitchen is a easy Thai recipe that serves 4. 275 calories per serving. Recipe by Pailin's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 47 min

Cost: $6.35 total, $1.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken Thigh (boneless, skinless, cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds dark color and slight sweetness)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp Palm Sugar (grated or chopped; gives butterscotch flavor)
  • 0.5 tsp White Pepper (ground)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑heat oil)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (stems and leaves, roughly chopped)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (Garnish) (julienned, optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken

    Place the cubed chicken thigh in a mixing bowl, add soy sauce and dark soy sauce, toss to coat evenly, then cover and let sit for 15–20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  2. Prepare Garlic, Ginger, and Cilantro

    While the chicken marinates, mince the garlic and ginger, and roughly chop cilantro stems and leaves. If using, julienne a small amount of fresh ginger for garnish.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger

    Heat vegetable oil in the large sauté pan over medium‑high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  4. Stir‑Fry Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Toss continuously, cooking until the chicken is almost done and no longer pink, roughly 5–7 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  5. Season with Palm Sugar and Pepper

    Sprinkle palm sugar and white pepper over the chicken. Stir quickly until the sugar melts and coats the pieces, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  6. Add Fresh Cilantro

    Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped cilantro. Let the residual heat wilt the herbs for about a minute.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Garnish and Serve

    Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, garnish with julienned fresh ginger if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
275
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Gluten (soy sauce), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Ginger Soy Chicken ไก่เค็ม - Hot Thai Kitchen

Recipe by Pailin's Kitchen

A quick and flavorful Thai stir-fry using chicken thigh, soy sauces, garlic, ginger, palm sugar and fresh cilantro. This dry "salty chicken" (Gai Kem) is inspired by the traditional worship chicken dish and is perfect served over steamed rice.

EasyThaiServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
28m
Prep
9m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.35
Total cost
$1.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes
  • Sautéing garlic and ginger without burning
  • Adding palm sugar at the end to prevent caramelization
  • Using cilantro stems for extra flavor

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns—use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Palm sugar becomes very hot; handle with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Gai Kem in Thai cuisine?

A

Gai Kem, meaning "salty chicken," originates from the Thai "worship chicken" tradition where whole poached chickens are prepared for religious ceremonies. After the ceremony, the chicken is sliced and seasoned to create this flavorful dry dish, symbolizing gratitude and sharing.

cultural
Q

What traditional occasions is Gai Kem served during in Thailand?

A

Gai Kem is commonly served after Buddhist merit‑making ceremonies, house blessings, and seasonal festivals when a whole chicken has been offered to monks. It is a way to use the remaining chicken in a tasty, celebratory manner.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Gai Kem versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken thigh, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, garlic, fresh ginger, palm sugar, white pepper, and fresh cilantro. Acceptable substitutes are chicken breast (though drier), regular soy sauce with a pinch of brown sugar for color, and brown or coconut sugar instead of palm sugar.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Gai Kem?

A

Gai Kem pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, a simple cucumber‑mint salad, and a side of Thai green papaya salad (Som Tam). The mild heat and sweet‑salty profile complement the fresh, tangy sides.

cultural
Q

How does Gai Kem fit into the broader Thai cuisine tradition?

A

Gai Kem exemplifies Thai balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors without heavy sauces. It reflects the Thai principle of using minimal ingredients to highlight the natural taste of protein, similar to other dry‑stir‑fry dishes like Pad Krapow.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Gai Kem?

A

Many think Gai Kem must be made with a whole poached chicken, but the essential element is the dry, salty‑sweet seasoning. Modern home cooks can start with raw thigh cubes and achieve the same flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Gai Kem at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken, burning the garlic, and adding palm sugar too early. Follow the recipe’s order: sauté aromatics, cook chicken, then finish with sugar and pepper.

technical
Q

Why does this Gai Kem recipe add palm sugar at the end instead of at the beginning?

A

Adding palm sugar at the end prevents it from caramelizing and sticking to the pan, which can create a bitter taste. It also allows the sugar to melt gently, coating the chicken without burning.

technical
Q

Can I make Gai Kem ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead. After cooking, store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a pan before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen specializes in authentic Thai home cooking, sharing family recipes, traditional techniques, and modern twists on classic dishes with clear, step‑by‑step tutorials.

channel

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