Homemade filipino goodness: discover our easy chicken teriyaki recipe for a flavorful feast

Craving a delectable dish that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul? Look no further than our easy Filipino-style Chicken Teriyaki recipe, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the savory flavors of the Orient with the vibrant essence of the Philippines. This dish is a symphony of sweet, salty, and umami notes that will leave you yearning for more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sake, cornstarch, water, ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, bring the remaining marinade to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drain the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.

4. Add the Sauce: Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is heated through.

5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the cooked chicken teriyaki with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, with your favorite sides.

Culinary Tips

• For a sweeter teriyaki sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
• If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine.
• To make the chicken teriyaki more authentically Filipino, add a dash of banana ketchup to the sauce.
• Serve the chicken teriyaki with a side of pickled ginger to balance the flavors.

Health Benefits

• Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Soy sauce contains antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases.
• Brown sugar provides a natural source of energy and sweetness.
• Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties that may help boost immunity.

Variations

• Chicken Teriyaki Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through.
• Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the skillet along with the chicken.
• Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry: Serve the chicken teriyaki over a bed of stir-fried noodles or rice.

The Filipino Twist

The Filipino-style Chicken Teriyaki recipe adds a unique twist to the classic Japanese dish by incorporating the following elements:

• Sweetness: The addition of brown sugar and banana ketchup (optional) creates a sweeter sauce than the traditional Japanese version.
• Umami: The use of soy sauce and sake adds a savory and umami flavor to the dish.
• Balance: The pickled ginger served on the side helps balance the sweetness and saltiness of the chicken teriyaki.

The Final Symphony

The result is a delectable dish that showcases the harmonious blend of Japanese and Filipino flavors. The tender chicken, coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Questions You May Have

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will take a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What can I substitute for sake?
If you don’t have sake, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine.

3. How long can I store the chicken teriyaki?
Cooked chicken teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. What are some good sides to serve with chicken teriyaki?
Rice, noodles, pickled ginger, steamed vegetables, or a side salad are all great options.

5. Can I make the chicken teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When ready to use, reheat the sauce over medium heat until warmed through.