How to Make Japanese Style Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Japanese cuisine is always a secret waiting to be discovered for those who love the Land of the Rising Sun. Teriyaki chicken, a favorite dish often enjoyed during lunch in Japan, is one such delight. Join kohafo.com in learning this authentic Japanese Teriyaki chicken recipe to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Teriyaki Chicken - A Nutritious Japanese Lunch

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a staple in the bento boxes of office workers and students in Japan.

In Japanese, "teri" refers to the shiny, crispy skin that the Teriyaki sauce gives the chicken, while "yaki" means grilled over a flame. The Japanese use various parts of the chicken for Teriyaki, such as thighs, breasts, wings, and tenders. However, to achieve the ultimate flavor, it's best to use deboned chicken thighs.

The secret to making Grilled Teriyaki Chicken irresistible lies in the magical Kikkoman Teriyaki sauce. Its light aroma and rich flavor deeply infuse the chicken, making it perfectly seasoned and delicious.

Teriyaki Sauce: An Essential Ingredient for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki sauce is a crucial seasoning that determines whether your Teriyaki chicken turns out perfectly. The ingredients needed include:

• Soy Sauce:

• You can use Japanese soy sauce, but if unavailable, Korean, Chinese, or Vietnamese soy sauces are acceptable substitutes. Note that Korean soy sauce is slightly milder and lighter than Chinese soy sauce.

• Sake:

• Choose cooking sake, which has a light salty flavor. If not available, you can use drinking sake as a substitute.

• Recommended sake brands for this dish include Ozeki, Gekkeikan, or Sho Chiku. After opening, use within 2-3 months, but it can last up to six months if stored in a cool, dark place.

Notes:

• If mirin is not available, you can substitute:

• 1 tablespoon of mirin (15ml) = 1 tablespoon of sake (dry) + 1/2 tablespoon (7g) of sugar.

• If sake is not available, you can use Shaoxing rice wine (Chinese) or Dry Sherry (Spanish), or even rice wine or corn wine.

Authentic Teriyaki sauce is made from equal parts of these ingredients. However, if you find it difficult to source these ingredients, you can purchase pre-made Teriyaki sauce from stores.

Opt for reputable brands, and if possible, choose products made in Japan for the most authentic flavor. Additionally, ensure the chicken is marinated before grilling.

How to Make Japanese-Style Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 kg chicken (preferably chicken thighs)

• Salt to taste

• White sesame seeds, for garnish

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients:

• 80 ml mirin (Japanese cooking wine)

• 30 ml soy sauce

• 15 g sugar

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in Just 15 Minutes

Instructions for Teriyaki Chicken:

Step 1: Debone the chicken and season it with salt.

Step 2: Mix all the Teriyaki sauce ingredients together and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Place the chicken in a non-stick pan, with the skin side down, and cook over high heat until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown on both sides.

Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then slice it and drizzle with the Teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Your Teriyaki chicken is now ready. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful skin along with tender meat and a sweet, savory sauce that makes it perfect with rice.