What To Know
- Add the chicken to the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and a small amount of water until a smooth paste forms.
- Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Craving that savory, mouthwatering chicken teriyaki from Sarku Japan but can’t make it to the restaurant? Don’t despair! With our detailed guide, you can now prepare this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions to master the art of making chicken teriyaki that rivals the iconic Japanese fast-food chain.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and honey. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and a small amount of water until a smooth paste forms. Bring the remaining marinade to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch paste until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drain the chicken from the marinade and add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken teriyaki to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh chicken, authentic soy sauce, and pure honey will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
- Control the sauce thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch used to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Cook over high heat: Cooking the chicken over high heat helps to caramelize the sauce, creating a beautiful glaze.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Teriyaki: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili powder to the teriyaki sauce for a kick of heat.
- Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki: Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple to the skillet along with the chicken.
- Vegetable Teriyaki: Substitute the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
Final Thoughts:
Making chicken teriyaki Sarku Japan style at home is a rewarding culinary experience that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can recreate the authentic flavors of this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious results!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have mirin?
A: You can substitute mirin with equal parts sake (Japanese rice wine) and sugar.
Q: How can I store leftover chicken teriyaki?
A: Store the leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before serving.
