Grilling season is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the sweet, savory aroma of teriyaki dancing through the air. I stumbled upon this teriyaki marinade while trying to recreate a dish from my last trip to Japan—where the streets are filled with the smell of sizzling skewers and laughter. Whether you’re a grill master or a newbie, this recipe, with its blend of soy sauce and honey, will make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
Steps
- Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Transfer the marinade mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. In a separate bowl, mix cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then add to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir the sauce frequently until it thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- For marinating, add chicken or meat to the marinade and ensure it is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours.
- After marinating, remove the meat and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade, and cook or grill the meat to your preferred level of doneness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup of cold water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Nutritional Values
Calories: 688 | Total Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 7232mg | Total Carbohydrate: 88g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 64g | Protein: 16g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 472mg
FAQ
- Can the teriyaki marinade be used for both chicken and other meats?
- Yes, the teriyaki marinade is versatile and can be used for chicken as well as other meats. Simply coat the meat in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours.
- How do you thicken the teriyaki sauce?
- To thicken the teriyaki sauce, combine cornstarch with cold water and add it to the marinade mixture in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer while stirring until it reaches the desired thickness.
- What is the recommended marinating time for this recipe?
- It is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 1 hour, but for more flavorful results, you can refrigerate it for up to 8 hours.
- What should be done with the leftover marinade after marinating meat?
- The leftover marinade should be discarded after marinating the meat. It is not safe to reuse it for cooking or as a serving sauce.
- Can this recipe be adjusted for fewer servings?
- Yes, this recipe can be adjusted for fewer servings by halving the ingredients or altering them proportionally to suit your needs.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the meat for the full 8 hours. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional minute or two. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning or over-thickening.
- To ensure a smooth sauce, make sure the cornstarch and water mixture is well combined before adding it to the marinade. This will help prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
- For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions over the finished dish before serving.
Equipment
- Grater (for grating fresh ginger)
- Whisk (for mixing the water and cornstarch)
- Small saucepan (for heating the sauce)
