Japanese Mum's Chicken

Introduction

History

This recipe is a traditional Japanese dish that has been passed down through generations. It is a favorite among families in Japan and is often served at special occasions and family gatherings.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any foam that forms on the surface of the liquid while simmering the sauce.

- Turning the drumsticks frequently in the sauce will ensure that they are evenly coated and cooked.

- Cooking the chicken until the liquid has thickened into a sticky glaze will give it a delicious caramelized flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Japanese Mum's Chicken pairs well with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. It can also be served with a simple salad or pickled vegetables for a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Japanese Mum's Chicken is to cook the drumsticks in the sauce until it thickens into a sticky glaze. This will ensure that the chicken is coated evenly and has a delicious caramelized flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken drumsticks in the sauce overnight for extra flavor. Simply cover the chicken and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken drumsticks on a serving platter and spoon the glaze over the top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Japanese Mum's Chicken pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli. It also goes well with a bowl of miso soup or a side of pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Japanese Mum's Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Japanese Mum's Chicken contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Japanese Mum's Chicken contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Japanese Mum's Chicken contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Japanese Mum's Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Japanese Mum's Chicken is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the soy sauce. It may also contain traces of nuts if the balsamic vinegar was processed in a facility that handles nuts.

Summary

Japanese Mum's Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy choice for a main dish.

Summary

Japanese Mum's Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and chili pepper, this dish is packed with savory and sweet flavors that will leave you craving more. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Japanese Mum's Chicken. It was a sunny afternoon in the late 1960s, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Tanaka. Mrs. Tanaka was a Japanese immigrant who had moved to America in search of a better life for her family. She was a wonderful cook and had a knack for creating delicious dishes that combined the flavors of her homeland with the ingredients she found in her new country.

As I sat in Mrs. Tanaka's cozy kitchen, sipping on green tea and chatting about our families, she suddenly got up from her seat and disappeared into the pantry. I could hear her rummaging around, and soon she emerged with a plump chicken in one hand and a bottle of soy sauce in the other.

"Today, I will teach you how to make my family's favorite dish," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Japanese Mum's Chicken."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of this dish before, but I trusted Mrs. Tanaka's cooking skills implicitly. As she began to explain the recipe to me, I could tell that this was a dish that was close to her heart, passed down through generations of her family.

To make Japanese Mum's Chicken, Mrs. Tanaka explained, you start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic. This marinade infuses the chicken with a rich umami flavor that is truly irresistible. After letting the chicken soak up all the flavors for a few hours, you simply pan-fry it until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.

As Mrs. Tanaka cooked, I watched in awe as she moved around the kitchen with grace and precision, effortlessly flipping the chicken pieces and adjusting the heat on the stove. The aromas that wafted from the pan were tantalizing, filling the kitchen with the scent of soy sauce and ginger.

Finally, the chicken was done, and Mrs. Tanaka plated it up with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a garnish of fresh green onions. The dish looked stunning, with the caramelized glaze on the chicken glistening in the afternoon sunlight.

I took my first bite of Japanese Mum's Chicken, and I was transported to another world. The flavors were complex and nuanced, with the salty tang of the soy sauce balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the sake and the warmth of the ginger. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, of family and heritage.

As I savored each mouthful, Mrs. Tanaka sat across from me, a smile of satisfaction on her face. She had passed on a piece of her culture to me, and I felt honored to carry on the tradition of making Japanese Mum's Chicken in my own home.

From that day on, Japanese Mum's Chicken became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for my family and friends, always thinking of Mrs. Tanaka and the moment when she had shared her recipe with me. Over the years, I added my own touches to the dish, experimenting with different seasonings and cooking techniques to make it my own.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Japanese Mum's Chicken remained the same. It was a dish that spoke of friendship and shared memories, of a bond that transcended cultural boundaries and brought us closer together.

And so, every time I make Japanese Mum's Chicken, I think of Mrs. Tanaka and the sunny afternoon when she had opened up her kitchen and her heart to me. I am grateful for the recipe she shared and the connection it has brought to my life. And I know that as long as I continue to cook this dish, a piece of Mrs. Tanaka will always be with me, guiding my hands and filling my home with the flavors of Japan.

Categories

| Balsamic Vinegar Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chile Pepper Recipes | Japanese Meat Dishes | Japanese Recipes |

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