Penulis Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish made with chicken that is marinated and glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The sauce typically consists of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
The chicken is usually grilled or pan-fried, resulting in a flavorful and glossy coating. It's often served with rice and vegetables. Teriyaki chicken can be adapted in various ways, such as using different cuts of chicken (like thighs or breasts), or adjusting the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to taste.
In addition to being served with rice and vegetables, it can also be used in other dishes like salads, sandwiches, or even as a topping for noodles. The key to a great teriyaki chicken lies in achieving a balance between the sweet and salty elements of the sauce, and ensuring that the chicken is cooked to a tender, juicy perfection.
For making teriyaki chicken at home, you can start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. This helps to infuse the chicken with the distinctive teriyaki flavor. After marinating for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more depth of flavor), the chicken can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared until cooked through and caramelized.
While cooking, you might also brush additional teriyaki sauce onto the chicken to build up a thicker glaze. If desired, you can garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, or even a fresh salad. It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Here’s a straightforward recipe to make Teriyaki Chicken:
Ingredients:
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine) or dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and honey (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in water and add it to the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over it.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized surface. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
4. Glaze and Serve
- In the last couple of minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved teriyaki sauce to glaze it.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. Garnish and Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, vegetables or whatever mixture you like.
Enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken!
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