Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken
Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken Recipe - Authentic & Flavorful
Introduction
Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken is a flavorful and delicious dish that combines the umami-rich flavors of miso with the smoky char of grilled chicken. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a 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 popular dish in Japan, where it is often served at yakitori restaurants.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of sake
- 2 tbsp of mirin
- 2 tbsp of light miso
- 2 green onions, crushed and slivered
- 1 tsp of minced ginger root
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 8 boned chicken thighs with skin intact
- 1 tbsp of seven spice powder
How to prepare
- In a 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 the 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
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Add some chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling to ensure a crispy skin.
- Use a hot grill to get a nice char on the chicken.
- Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and seven spice powder for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled miso chicken with steamed rice and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Grilling
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the sake with dry sherry or white wine.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the grilled miso chicken on a bed of lettuce with a drizzle of sesame dressing.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a cold glass of sake or a crisp Japanese beer.
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
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
5g per serving
Fats
12g per serving
Proteins
25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy and gluten (from the miso).
Summary
This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. With a rich marinade of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and miso, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve it with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Akiko in her home in Kyoto, Japan. Akiko was a talented cook, and she had invited me over for lunch to try out a new recipe she had learned from her grandmother.
As soon as I entered her kitchen, the aroma of grilled chicken marinated in miso and ginger greeted me. My mouth watered at the sight of the beautifully glazed pieces of chicken sizzling on the grill. Akiko smiled as she noticed my excitement and handed me a plate with a piece of the succulent chicken.
I took a bite and was immediately transported to flavor heaven. The miso added a rich umami taste to the chicken, while the ginger added a spicy kick that lingered on my taste buds. I was in awe of how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delectable dish.
I begged Akiko to teach me how to make the Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken, and she happily obliged. She explained that the key to the dish was the quality of the miso paste – it had to be the best you could find. She also shared with me the importance of marinating the chicken for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
As we cooked together, Akiko shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She recounted how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously preparing each ingredient with love and care.
I was inspired by Akiko's dedication to preserving her family's culinary heritage and knew that I wanted to do the same for my own family. I made a mental note to write down the recipe and practice it until I could recreate the dish with the same level of perfection.
After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken was finally ready. Akiko and I sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and I savored every bite of the tender chicken that melted in my mouth.
As I bid farewell to Akiko that day, I promised her that I would carry on the tradition of making the Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken in my own home. She smiled and gave me a hug, knowing that the recipe would be in good hands.
Since that fateful day in Kyoto, the Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken has become a staple in my household. I have shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down not just a recipe, but a piece of my heart and soul.
Every time I make the dish, I am reminded of my dear friend Akiko and the bond we forged over a shared love of cooking. The Japanese Grilled Miso Chicken will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the rich tapestry of flavors and memories that have shaped my culinary journey.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Japanese Meat Dishes | Japanese Recipes | Miso Recipes |