Teriyaki Chicken

TERIYAKI CHICKEN RECIPE

sweet and savory superstar of the Japanese culinary world

This dish has been around for centuries, and for good reason - it's just plain delicious. But what exactly is teriyaki chicken, and what makes it so special? Let's dive in and find out.

What is teriyaki chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a dish consisting of chicken that has been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar, then grilled or broiled until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.

Why is it special?

Teriyaki chicken is special because of its unique combination of flavors. The salty, umami taste of soy sauce, the sweetness of sugar, and the slight tanginess of sake or mirin all come together to create a taste sensation that's hard to beat.

What are the ingredients?

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 cup sake or mirin

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/4 cup water

• sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

How do you make it step-by-step?

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake or mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar has dissolved.
Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it, making sure the chicken is well coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once the marinade is boiling, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and brush the teriyaki sauce over it. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, with steamed rice and vegetables on the side.

How long does it take to make?

Well, my friends, teriyaki chicken isn't exactly a 5-minute meal, but it's definitely worth the effort. From start to finish, this dish should take you about 1 hour to make, including marinating time.

Tips to make it the best:

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful end result.
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a nice sear on the outside.
Don't skip the marinating step - it's essential for getting that sweet and savory flavor just right.
If you're grilling the chicken, brush some of the marinade on it as it cooks for extra flavor.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture.

Food pairings:

Steamed rice: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken.
Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are great options.
Edamame: A tasty and protein-packed appetizer or side dish.
Soba noodles: Cook up some soba noodles and toss them with a little soy sauce and sesame oil for a delicious and filling meal.

Nutritional information:

In a 4 oz serving of teriyaki chicken, you can expect to get around 250 calories, 7g fat, 24g protein, and 21g carbohydrates.
The sodium content can vary depending on the recipe, but it's usually on the higher side due to the soy sauce used in the marinade.
Teriyaki chicken is a great source of protein and can be a satisfying and healthy addition to your diet in moderation.

So, there you have it, everything you need to know about teriyaki chicken. Get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness!

one more thing:

Similar foods to consider trying:

Yakitori: A Japanese grilled chicken skewer dish that's similar to teriyaki chicken.

Bulgogi: A Korean dish that features thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.

General Tso's chicken: A Chinese-American classic that's known for its sweet and spicy flavor.

Honey mustard chicken: A western-style chicken dish that features a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is teriyaki chicken sauce made of?

Teriyaki chicken sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, sake or mirin (a sweet Japanese rice wine), and sugar or honey. The soy sauce provides a savory and salty base, while the sake or mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. The sugar or honey balances out the saltiness and gives the sauce a beautiful glaze and caramelization.

But that's not all - there are plenty of variations of teriyaki chicken sauce that incorporate other ingredients like ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and green onions. Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and aroma, creating a complex and delicious sauce that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.

And let's not forget about the umami flavor - a savory taste that comes from the combination of soy sauce and sake/mirin. Umami is known as the fifth taste sensation, and it's what makes teriyaki chicken sauce so addictive and satisfying.

So the next time you take a bite of that succulent teriyaki chicken, remember the magic that goes into the sauce. It's a beautiful blend of sweet and savory, umami and aroma, that makes your taste buds sing with delight. Enjoy!

Can I just use teriyaki marinade as sauce?

Teriyaki marinade is one of those versatile sauces that can make any dish taste amazing. But can you use it as a sauce? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats.

Teriyaki marinade is essentially a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other flavorings like ginger and garlic. It's typically used to marinate meat, poultry, or fish before grilling or broiling, giving it a sweet and savory flavor and a beautiful glaze.

While teriyaki marinade can be used as a sauce, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, the marinade will be thinner than a sauce, since it's meant to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor. If you want a thicker sauce, you may need to thicken it with cornstarch or another thickening agent.

Second, you'll need to cook the marinade to kill any bacteria that may have been introduced during the marinating process. This means bringing it to a boil and simmering it for a few minutes before using it as a sauce. And be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat, to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Finally, the flavor of the sauce may be stronger than you expect, since it's meant to be used as a marinade. You may want to dilute it with a bit of water or chicken stock, to achieve the desired flavor.

In short, you can use teriyaki marinade as a sauce, but it may require a bit of tweaking to get it just right. With a little experimentation, you can create a delicious and versatile sauce that will elevate any dish. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki.

Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking?

When it comes to teriyaki sauce, the answer depends on what you're cooking. If you're grilling or broiling meat, you'll want to apply the sauce after cooking. This is because the sugar in the sauce can burn easily, creating a charred and unpleasant flavor. By adding the sauce after cooking, you'll get the sweet and savory flavor without the risk of burning.

On the other hand, if you're stir-frying or sautéing meat or vegetables, you'll want to add the sauce during cooking. This will help the flavors penetrate the food and create a beautiful glaze. Just be sure to add the sauce towards the end of cooking, to avoid overcooking the ingredients and turning the sauce into a sticky mess.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to teriyaki sauce - it's all about personal preference and experimentation. Some people like to marinate their meat in the sauce before cooking, while others prefer to use it as a dipping sauce. Whatever your preference, just remember to be mindful of the cooking method and adjust accordingly.

Can you marinate teriyaki chicken too long?

When it comes to marinating the chicken, is there such a thing as too long? The answer is yes, and it can make or break the dish.

When it comes to marinating teriyaki chicken, it's important to find the right balance of flavors. Marinating the chicken for too long can result in an overly salty or sweet flavor, and a mushy texture. On the other hand, marinating for too short a time can result in a lack of flavor and tenderness.

So, what is the ideal marinating time for teriyaki chicken? Generally speaking, marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. This is enough time for the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade without becoming over-saturated. If you're marinating in the fridge, be sure to cover the chicken and stir the marinade occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.

If you're short on time and need to marinate the chicken for longer, be sure to use a lower concentration of salt and sugar in the marinade. This will help prevent the chicken from becoming too salty or sweet. And if you're marinating for more than 2 hours, be sure to remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry before cooking. This will prevent the chicken from becoming too soft and losing its texture.

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