I don’t know how you feel about teriyaki chicken bowls, but I can tell you that this recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
The balance of sweet and savory flavors will make your taste buds dance with joy.
When it comes to creating the perfect teriyaki chicken bowl recipe, the secret lies in the quality of the ingredients.
Table of Content
How did I learn this dish?
I don’t know how I first accidentally came upon teriyaki chicken bowls, but I think it all started with a trip to a hurrying or very busy street market in Tokyo.
The smell of sizzling chicken and the talk of vendors filled the air, and I couldn’t resist. I remember thinking, This is something I need to bring home and share.
But I can tell you that recreating this dish in my own kitchen was a very pleasant challenge that turned into a loved recipe.
It was a lot of trying things that sometimes did not work, but the moment I got it right, it was magical. The key, I discovered, was balancing the sweet and savory elements perfectly.
- This dish has its roots in Japanese food, where “teriyaki” refers to a cooking way of doing things involving cooking under fire (extremely hot) or grilling glazed meats. The word itself comes from “teri,” meaning shine, and “yaki,” meaning grill or broil.
- Teriyaki became popular in the U.S. after World War II, when Japanese people (who enter a country) brought their food-related traditions to the West Coast.
- It has since changed (and got better), incorporating local ingredients and tastes, leading to the many different kinds of people or things we enjoy today.
Now, every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of that full-of-life market in Tokyo and the joy of discovering new flavors.
Recipe
Looking to elevate your dinner game? Dive into the tantalizing world of teriyaki chicken with our irresistible recipe.
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Serving: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 450 calories per serving
Equipment Used
- Mixing Bowls – For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables and mincing garlic and ginger.
- Large Skillet or Wok – For cooking the chicken.
- Pot with Lid – For cooking the rice.
- Steamer Basket – For steaming the broccoli (alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl with a lid).
- Tongs – For turning the chicken while cooking.
- Spatula – For stirring the sauce.
- Rice Cooker (optional) – For perfectly cooked rice.
- Serving Bowls – For assembling and serving the teriyaki chicken bowls.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
Rice
- 3 cups jasmine or short-grain rice
- 6 cups water
Vegetables and Garnish
- 3 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Additional
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking chicken)
Method Instructions
I think you’re going to love this japanese teriyaki chicken rice bowl recipe. Let’s dive right in and get cooking!
- Wash your hands completely. This is always the first step to ensuring that everything is clean and ready to go.
- Prepare the chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into small pieces. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Heat the oil. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. This should take about 1–2 minutes.
- Cook the chicken. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir (every once in a while) to secure or make sure of even cooking.
- Make the teriyaki sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Stir until well combined.
- Thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the sauce and stir well.
- Combine sauce and chicken. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan with the chicken. Bring to a slight boil (quiet anger) and cook until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the rice. While the chicken is cooking, prepare 4 cups of cooked white or brown rice according to package instructions. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
- Steam the vegetables. Steam 2 cups of broccoli little flowers until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper and shred 1 cup of carrots.
- Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced red bell pepper.
- Garnish. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
Don’t forget to take a picture of your beautiful creation and share it with your friends! Enjoy your teriyaki chicken bowls!
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Recipe Video
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
This is the video about how to make Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe at home.
Author:
Rated: 4.1 of 5.0 from 231 reviews.
Servings
Here are 10 exciting ways to serve your teriyaki chicken bowls that will wow your family and friends:
- In a Pineapple Bowl: Hollow out a pineapple and serve the teriyaki chicken and rice inside for a (related to areas near the Equator/hot and humid) twist.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and veggies wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
- Mason Jar Meals: Layer the ingredients in mason jars for a fun and portable meal option.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the chicken and rice mixture, then bake for a warm meal.
- Bento Boxes: Arrange the ingredients neatly in a bento box for a very pleasant and organized presentation.
- On a Skewer: Thread the chicken and veggies onto long, sharp rods and serve over a bed of rice.
- In a Naan Bread: Use naan bread as a base and top with the teriyaki chicken and veggies for a (like nothing else in the world) fusion dish.
- With Cauliflower Rice: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a healthy, low-carb alternative choice.
- In a Tortilla Wrap: Roll up the chicken and veggies in a tortilla for a quick and tasty wrap.
- Topped with a Fried Egg: Add a fried egg on top of your bowl for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
But I can tell you that these serving ideas will make your teriyaki chicken bowls not just a meal, but an experience. Which one are you most excited to try first? Let us know!
Tips
I don’t know how much you love tips and tricks, but I think these 10 tips will make your teriyaki chicken bowls truly amazing:
- Marinate the Chicken: Let the chicken (soak in flavored sauce) in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This soaks it in with deep flavor.
- Cook Rice Properly: Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This makes it fluffier and perfect for bowls.
- Cut Evenly: Cut all vegetables and chicken into almost the same sizes. This ensures that everything cooks evenly.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger bring out the best flavors in your teriyaki sauce.
- Thicken Slowly: When thickening the sauce with cornstarch, add it slowly and stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir-Fry Veggies Separately: Stir-fry your veggies separately before adding them to the bowls. This keeps them crisp and full of life.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds on top add a wonderful nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Use High Heat: When cooking the chicken, use high heat to get a nice burn and lock in the juices.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions and parsley not only add color but also a fresh, full-of-life taste to your bowls.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the teriyaki sauce as you go and (change to make it better or to fit new conditions) adjust the sweetness to your liking with more honey or brown sugar.
But I can tell you that these tips will lift your dish to restaurant-quality. Give them a try and let us know how it goes!
Ingredient Substitutes
Here are 10 ways to substitute ingredients in your teriyaki chicken bowls:
- Chicken Thighs with Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken thighs with tofu. It soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Soy Sauce with Tamari: If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Same rich flavor, no gluten.
- Rice with Quinoa: Looking for more protein? Substitute the rice with quinoa. It’s nutty and nutritious.
- Honey with Maple Syrup: Out of honey? Maple syrup is a great other choice and adds a (like nothing else in the world) sweetness.
- Brown Sugar with Coconut Suga: For a healthier option, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. It has a lower glycemic index.
- Vegetable Oil with Green Fruit or Dark Green Oil: Swap vegetable oil with dark green oil for a healthier fat and a small or short dark green flavor.
- White Rice with Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice. It’s light and still delicious.
- Cornstarch with Arrowroot Powder: If you’re avoiding cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a perfect thickening agent.
- Bell Peppers with Snow Peas: Change up the veggies by using snow peas instead of bell peppers. They add a fresh, crunchy texture.
- Broccoli with Bok Choy: For a different green, swap broccoli with bok choy. It’s tender and full of delicious flavor.
But I can tell you that these swaps can bring a whole new dimension to your dish. Which substitute are you curious to try? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ’S
1. What is teriyaki chicken sauce made of?
Teriyaki chicken sauce is made of soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. What goes with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed rice, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
3. Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking?
Teriyaki sauce can be used as a marinade before cooking and also as a glaze or finishing sauce after cooking.
4. Are teriyaki bowls good for you?
Yes, teriyaki bowls can be healthy if they are made with lean protein, lots of vegetables, and a moderate amount of sauce.
5. How to sweeten teriyaki sauce?
To sweeten teriyaki sauce, add more honey or brown sugar to taste.
6. Is teriyaki sauce Korean or Japanese?
Teriyaki sauce is Japanese.
7. What mixes well with teriyaki?
Teriyaki mixes well with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions.
8. Why is teriyaki chicken so popular?
Teriyaki chicken is popular due to its savory-sweet flavor, versatility, and ease of preparation.
9. Where can I use teriyaki sauce?
Teriyaki sauce can be used on chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, rice, and noodles.
Remarks
Indulge in the flavorful journey of our teriyaki chicken bowls—a delightful fusion of savory and sweet sensations that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Experience the magic of homemade teriyaki sauce paired perfectly with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.