Grilled Miso Chicken
Grilled Miso Chicken Recipe from Japan
Introduction
Grilled Miso Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the umami-rich flavors of miso with the smoky char of grilled chicken. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
History
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji (a type of fungus). It has been used in Japanese cuisine for centuries and is known for its rich, savory flavor. Grilled miso chicken is a modern twist on this classic ingredient, combining it with soy sauce, sake, and mirin to create a marinade that infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of sake
- 2 tbsp of mirin
- 2 tbsp of light miso
- 2 crushed and slivered green onions
- 1 tsp of minced ginger root
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 8 chicken thighs with bone removed but skin intact
- 1 tbsp of seven spice powder
How to prepare
- In a rectangular baking dish, blend together soy sauce, sake, mirin, miso, green onions, ginger root, and garlic.
- Coat the chicken with the mixture and marinate for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight, turning several times.
- Preheat a hibachi, portable tabletop grill, or charcoal grill.
- Shake off the marinade from the chicken and pat it dry.
- Place the chicken skin-side down on the hot grill and grill for 5 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over and grill the second side for 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, sprinkle it with sesame seeds and the spice mixture.
Variations
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Add a splash of sesame oil to the marinade for extra nuttiness.
- Substitute the seven spice powder with chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling to ensure a crispy skin.
- Use a hibachi, portable tabletop grill, or charcoal grill for the best results.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and seven spice powder on the chicken after grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grilled Miso Chicken with steamed rice and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Grilling is the best cooking technique for this recipe to achieve a smoky flavor and crispy skin on the chicken.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of sugar and rice vinegar. If you don't have sake, you can use dry white wine as a replacement.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. You can also prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Grilled Miso Chicken on a platter garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Grilled Miso Chicken with a crisp Japanese beer or a glass of chilled sake for a perfect match.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Grilled Miso Chicken contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Grilled Miso Chicken contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Grilled Miso Chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Grilled Miso Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Grilled Miso Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy and wheat (from the miso), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Grilled Miso Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and healthy fats, with moderate carbohydrates.
Summary
Grilled Miso Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of miso with tender grilled chicken. With a few simple ingredients and some basic grilling techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Miso Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a local farmer's market, taking in the sights and smells of all the fresh produce and homemade goods. As I made my way through the market, I came across a small booth run by an elderly Japanese woman. She was selling various homemade sauces and marinades, all made from traditional Japanese ingredients.
I struck up a conversation with the woman, and we quickly bonded over our shared love of cooking. She told me stories of her childhood in Japan, and how she had learned to cook from her own grandmother. As we chatted, she pulled out a small jar of miso paste and told me about its versatility in Japanese cuisine. She explained how miso could be used in soups, dressings, and marinades, and even gave me a few tips on how to use it in my own cooking.
Intrigued by the idea of using miso in a marinade, I asked the woman if she had a favorite recipe that she could share with me. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she began to tell me about a dish that she had learned to make from her grandmother: Grilled Miso Chicken. She described the marinade as a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, and promised me that it would be a hit with my family.
I eagerly purchased a jar of miso paste from the woman, along with a few other ingredients that she recommended for the marinade. As I walked home from the market, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the marinade, letting the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors before grilling it to perfection.
When I served the Grilled Miso Chicken to my family that evening, they were blown away by how delicious it was. The miso paste had added a depth of flavor that we had never experienced before, and the chicken was incredibly tender and juicy. My family couldn't get enough of it, and they begged me to make it again soon.
From that day on, Grilled Miso Chicken became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a weeknight dinner. Each time I made it, I thought of the kind Japanese woman at the farmer's market who had shared her recipe with me, and I felt grateful for the connection that we had made.
Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own touches and twists to make it my own. But no matter how I change it, the core flavors of the original recipe always shine through. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, and one that I hope to pass down to future generations.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day at the farmer's market, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. She may have only been a stranger that I met briefly, but her impact on my cooking and my family's meals will last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Japanese Recipes | Miso Recipes |