What To Know
- Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat it with the teriyaki sauce.
- Marinating the chicken for an extended period allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
Craving that delectable chicken teriyaki from your favorite Japanese restaurant? With this comprehensive guide, you can now recreate the same mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and master the art of making restaurant-quality chicken teriyaki.
Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Teriyaki
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and honey. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
To the same pan, pour in the marinade and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add the cornstarch mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat it with the teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chicken teriyaki to a serving dish and garnish with the sliced green onion. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Tips for Restaurant-Quality Chicken Teriyaki
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your dish. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and use authentic Japanese ingredients like mirin and sake.
- Marinate the chicken overnight: Marinating the chicken for an extended period allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Cook the chicken in batches: If using a small pan, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the sauce: The teriyaki sauce should be thick but not too sticky. Cook it until it just reaches the desired consistency.
- Experiment with different sides: Chicken teriyaki pairs well with various sides, such as rice, noodles, vegetables, or even a simple side salad.
Variations on Chicken Teriyaki
- Spicy Chicken Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ginger-Garlic Chicken Teriyaki: Add grated ginger and minced garlic to the marinade for a more complex flavor profile.
- Honey-Teriyaki Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter and slightly sticky teriyaki sauce.
- Sesame Chicken Teriyaki: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the chicken before serving for an extra nutty flavor.
In a nutshell: Master the Art of Chicken Teriyaki
With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the knowledge and skills to make restaurant-quality chicken teriyaki in your own kitchen. By following our step-by-step instructions and experimenting with different variations, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that rivals any Japanese restaurant.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s important to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking it.
2. What can I substitute for mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dry sherry or white wine.
3. Can I make the chicken teriyaki ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken teriyaki ahead of time and reheat it before serving. To reheat, simply heat the chicken and sauce in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
4. What sides go well with chicken teriyaki?
Chicken teriyaki pairs well with various sides, such as rice, noodles, vegetables, or a simple side salad.
