Authentic Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken (Ga Kho Gung) - My Home Made Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water
• 2 1/2 lb (1.1 kg) bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin removed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (45 g) fresh ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut water or water
• 1 small red chile, sliced, or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• Steamed jasmine rice, for serving