Sarku Japan's chicken teriyaki is legendary for its sweet and savory flavor profile and perfectly tender chicken. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we can create a delicious approximation at home that captures the essence of this popular dish. This recipe focuses on achieving that signature Sarku Japan taste, using readily available ingredients.
What Makes Sarku Japan's Teriyaki Unique?
Before diving into the recipe, let's consider what distinguishes Sarku Japan's teriyaki. It's likely a combination of factors:
- The Marinade: The marinade is key. It's likely a blend of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake (rice wine), sugar, and possibly ginger and garlic. The precise proportions and additional seasonings are what give it its unique taste.
- The Cooking Method: Sarku Japan likely uses a method that allows for both tender, juicy chicken and a nicely glazed surface. This could involve grilling, broiling, or pan-frying.
- The Quality of Ingredients: Using high-quality soy sauce, mirin, and chicken will undoubtedly contribute to the final product's flavor.
Our Approximation of the Sarku Japan Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
This recipe aims to replicate the flavors and textures as closely as possible using commonly available ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (or breasts, but thighs stay more tender)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine – found in Asian grocery stores)
- 2 tablespoons sake (rice wine – optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours). The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
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Cook the Chicken: You can cook this in several ways:
- Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- Broiling: Preheat your broiler. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
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Glaze the Chicken (Optional): If you prefer a more intensely glazed chicken, remove the chicken from the pan/grill and increase the heat slightly. Bring the remaining marinade to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glaze (about 1-2 minutes). Pour the glaze over the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
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Serve: Serve the chicken teriyaki hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more easily than thighs. Reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What if I don't have mirin or sake?
You can omit the sake, but the mirin is essential for the sweet flavor. You can try substituting a small amount of dry sherry or a touch more brown sugar, but it won't be exactly the same.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce isn't thick enough, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and cook until it thickens.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can absolutely marinate the chicken in advance. In fact, it's recommended to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for optimal flavor. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
What other sides pair well with Sarku Japan chicken teriyaki?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple green salad.
This recipe provides a fantastic starting point for replicating the deliciousness of Sarku Japan's chicken teriyaki at home. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
