Last Updated on March 13, 2021
Today it’s time to savour the flavours of Japan with a tasty teriyaki chicken recipe made using a versatile Japanese condiment. Hakutsuru Hon Mirin (real mirin) has recently become available in the UK. Hakutsuru is one of Japan’s top sake producers and was founded in 1743. So they know their stuff , following millennium-old brewing traditions to make a wide range of beverages and condiments.
Hon Mirin (real mirin) is made by the slow fermentation and maturation over months of just three ingredients: glutinous rice, rice koji (think good bacteria in yogurt) and alcohol (sake). With its syrupy consistency it’s great for glazes and is a key ingredient in teriyaki dishes, It’s the perfect balance for the salty flavour of soy sauce and delivers a real umami punch.
This is such a quick and simple recipe with so few ingredients producing an incredible depth of flavour. I made my teriyaki using chicken but it’s such an adaptable recipe that you can try with salmon, any type of white fish like cod, beef, pork, aubergine or even Portobello mushrooms. Pretty much anything that will absorb the teriyaki taste.
The first step is to make the sauce by mixing the Hakutsuru Hon Mirin, soy sauce and sugar with a little water. Stir well so the sugar dissolves.
Dice your chicken thighs into bite-size pieces and lightly coat them with the cornflour. Add a little vegetable to a pan and heat. Then add the chicken pieces and fry until nicely browned on both sides and slightly crisp. Remove them from the pan and put aside, then wipe the pan clean.
Pour the teriyaki mix into the clean pan and return the chicken. Let it bubble slightly and spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces to ensure they are well coated. This only takes about five minutes.
Serve with stir fried rice (I made a simple egg fried rice) or noodles and steamed vegetables like tenderstem broccoli, mangetout or pak choi.
Hakutsuru Hon Mirin is available online at japan-foods.co.uk or from selected Japanese and Oriental grocery stores.
Here’s a printable version of the recipe for you to try at home.
Love creating dishes inspired by the East? Bring the flavours of Korea into your home by making kimchi from scratch with this fabulous kimchi kit.
Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 7 tbsp mirin (Hon Mirin)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 chicken thighs chopped
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the Hon Mirin, soy sauce, water and sugar in a bowl and mix well.
- Lightly coat the chicken with the cornflour. Heat the vegetable oil and fry the chicken until both sides are browned and slightly crisp.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and wipe it clean with a kitchen towel.
- Return the pan to a low heat and add the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and coat it well with the sauce. Simmer until the sauce is thick and glossy - it only takes about five minutes.
- Serve with fried rice and your choice of vegetables.
Nutrition
I love the idea of this – definitely planning on trying a teriyaki of my own soon!
It’s such a quick and easy recipe and I couldn’t believe depth of flavours that it had.