Embrace the Zest: 46 Irresistibly Delicious Ginger Recipes from Cookies to Cocktails
Ginger—a culinary gem that harmoniously blends spice, warmth, and sweetness—has been capturing the hearts of food lovers around the globe. As former Food & Wine editor Kelsey Jane Youngman beautifully puts it, ginger adds a "foundational layer of piquancy" to every dish it graces. From Asian curries to sweet cookies and invigorating cocktails, ginger’s versatility is awe-inspiring.
In this collection, we celebrate ginger in all its forms—fresh, candied, pickled, powdered, and syrupy—showcasing its delightful complexity. So, let’s explore these 46 ginger-forward recipes that highlight this remarkable root’s culinary potential!
Soups and Sips
Restorative Ginger and Turmeric Noodle Soup
This gingery, golden soup by cookbook author Hetty McKinnon is nothing short of a warm embrace. The homemade curry paste can be stored for future meals, ensuring convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Soup with Ginger and Cilantro
Bringing a fresh twist to the classic chicken soup, this version infuses zesty ginger and fragrant cilantro, accented by a splash of soy sauce. Transform each bowl into a choose-your-own-adventure meal with your favorite garnishes.
Tropical Jackfruit–Ginger Ale Sorbet with Charred Pineapple
Dive into this refreshing sorbet by Chef Sam Fore, combining spicy ginger ale with tangy jackfruit and finished with smoky charred pineapple. A unique treat for the warm months!
Chicken Congee with Coconut and Ginger
Elevate your simple rice porridge with garlic, ginger, and scallions cooked in creamy coconut milk. This congee is a generous, lavish dish that can be spiced up with a drizzle of turmeric oil.
Salads and Sides
Double Ginger Salad with Chickpeas and Peanuts
This crunchy salad features sweet pickled ginger paired with sharp ginger matchsticks, delivering a refreshing and invigorating flavor experience inspired by popular restaurants.
Orzo and Chickpeas with Turmeric-Ginger Broth
A soulful bowl of orzo and chickpeas suspended in a golden broth, this dish is infused with lime and fish sauce, making every spoonful an explosion of zest and umami.
Hunan-Style Ginger Chicken
Cookbook author Andrea Nguyen takes on this classic Hunan recipe, combining simmered chicken, mushrooms, and ginger in a rich sauce in just 30 minutes.
Chilled Noodle Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing
Elevate your cold soba salad with a velvety carrot-ginger dressing reminiscent of your favorite Japanese restaurants. Top with crispy veggies and toasted seaweed for an extra crunch.
Main Dishes
Soy-Ginger Salmon Pasta Bowls
Transform your dinner routine with salmon marinated in a luscious soy-ginger sauce that doubles as a pasta sauce, topped with fresh avocado and cucumber to amp up the freshness.
Mushroom Dumplings in Toasted Ginger and Garlic Broth
Delicate dumplings filled with earthy mushroom duxelles float in a deeply aromatic broth, offering a warm and comforting experience.
Crispy Tofu Steaks with Ginger Vinaigrette
Experience golden, panko-crusted tofu paired with a ginger-infused scallion vinaigrette—a delightful and nourishing main dish!
Sweet Treats
Caramelized Apple Bread with Candied Ginger and Almond
This dish combines the charm of a sticky bun with the elegance of tarte Tatin, showcasing ginger-spiced apples cocooned in gooey almond paste.
Triple-Ginger Rye Cookies
These hearty cookies are a perfect blend of powdered, fresh, and candied ginger, delivering spice and warmth in every bite.
Strawberry Icebox Cake with Maple-Ginger Cream
With layers of shortbread, macerated strawberries, and maple-ginger cream, this no-bake dessert is not just refreshing but dreamy!
Lemon-Ginger Mousse
A light and fluffy dessert featuring fresh, ground, and candied ginger brings a spicy kick to the refreshing lemon base—a perfect ending to any meal.
Cocktails and Beverages
Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew
This unique drink combines sweet, sour, and spicy notes topped with beer, a refreshing option that transforms any hot afternoon into a celebratory moment.
Ginger-Lemongrass Soda
Elevate ordinary syrup with the herbal essence of lemongrass and zesty ginger. Mix it into cocktails or sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
Ginger & Bourbon
This delightful cocktail blends fresh ginger with bourbon, honey, and bitters for a warming drink that nourishes both body and soul during chilly evenings.
With these 46 enticing ginger recipes, you’re sure to take your culinary skills to new heights. Whether you’re indulging in sweet delights or warming soups, ginger’s vibrant spirit will elevate your dishes and drinks like never before. So, roll up your sleeves and let the world of ginger inspire your next culinary adventure!
