Japanese BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe
The Japanese BBQ Sauce Chicken recipe features tender chicken glazed with a savory, slightly sweet Japanese BBQ sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. Grilled or pan-cooked, the chicken absorbs the rich, umami-packed flavors of the sauce, creating a deliciously caramelized crust. This dish offers a flavorful, unique twist on traditional BBQ.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Japanese BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce preferably low-sodium
- 1/4 cup mirin a sweet rice wine
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for some heat
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish, optional
- Fresh green onions chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by preparing your chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper.
- Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large grill pan or preheat your grill. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken on it.
- Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown sear. If using a grill, the same cooking time applies.
Make the Japanese BBQ Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to make the BBQ sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Whisk the ingredients until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
Baste the Chicken
- Once the chicken is almost done cooking, begin basting it with the prepared Japanese BBQ sauce. Using a basting brush, generously coat the chicken with the sauce on all sides. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the chicken.
Serve and Garnish
- Once the chicken is cooked and beautifully glazed with the sauce, remove it from the grill or pan. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- For added flair, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the chicken. These toppings add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Enjoy!
- Serve the Japanese BBQ Sauce Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- This dish is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests with its unique, delicious flavor.
Notes
❖ Substitutions: If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute it with a mix of dry white wine and sugar, or use rice vinegar with a little extra honey. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs will work wonderfully with this sauce as they tend to be juicier.
❖ Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
❖ Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press out any excess moisture from the tofu before grilling it.