20 Japanese Chicken Thigh Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In addition to being a popular meat in Japanese cuisine, chicken thighs are also known for their tenderness and rich flavor. For those looking to add a touch of Japanese flair to their cooking repertoire, this recipe for Japanese chicken thighs is a must-try. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite for both novice and experienced home cooks alike.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
If you're a fan of warm and comforting meals, then you'll love this homemade Japanese curry recipe. Made from scratch with a blend of spices and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a dinner party.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and potatoes in a pot, then add in your choice of protein - chicken, beef, or tofu - and cook until browned. Next, add in a homemade curry roux made from flour, butter, and a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Let the curry simmer until thick and creamy, then serve over a bed of steamed rice. This hearty dish will warm you up from the inside out and have you going back for seconds.
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Chicken Karaage (Japanese Style Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Sake, Ginger, Garlic, Eggs
Craving crispy and flavorful fried chicken? Look no further than this Japanese-style chicken karaage recipe. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in a light and crunchy batter, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side of Japanese mayo or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a tangy twist.
The key to perfectly crispy karaage is to use boneless chicken thighs and to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour before frying. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and packed with flavor. For an extra kick, add some chili powder or Sriracha to the marinade. This dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends or as an appetizer for a Japanese-themed dinner party.
Japanese curry rice is a staple in many households and for good reason - it's easy to make, delicious, and customizable. This dish is perfect for using up leftover vegetables and protein, making it a budget-friendly option for weeknight dinners. The curry roux used in this recipe can be found in most Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own using flour, butter, and spices.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and your choice of protein in a pot, then add in the curry roux and let it simmer until thick and creamy. Serve over a bed of steamed rice and top with your favorite toppings like pickled red ginger, boiled eggs, or fukujinzuke (a type of Japanese pickles). This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Chicken Yakitori
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Water, Mirin, Rice Vinegar, Light Brown
If you're a fan of grilled meat on skewers, then you'll love this Japanese-style chicken yakitori recipe. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, this dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or as a snack while watching a movie. The key to perfectly tender and flavorful yakitori is to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour before grilling.
For an authentic touch, use a traditional Japanese grill called a shichirin or a portable gas grill. Make sure to brush the skewers with the marinade while grilling for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with a side of steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and easy meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
This version of yakitori uses a different marinade and grilling method, resulting in a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. The marinade is made with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, giving the chicken a sweet and salty taste. The chicken is then grilled over high heat until slightly charred and cooked through.
For added flavor, brush the chicken with the marinade while grilling and serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions. This dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or as an appetizer for a Japanese-inspired dinner party.
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Oyakodon
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Sugar, Sake, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Onion, Chicken
Oyakodon is a popular Japanese comfort food that literally translates to "parent and child bowl" because it contains both chicken and eggs. This dish is made by simmering chicken, onions, and beaten eggs in a sweet and savory broth, then serving over a bed of steamed rice. The result is a creamy and comforting dish that will have you coming back for more.
For added flavor, top the dish with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (a Japanese spice blend) or add a splash of mizkan (Japanese rice vinegar) for a tangy kick. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or for a cozy night in.
If you're new to Japanese cuisine, then this oyakodon recipe with a helpful video tutorial is perfect for you. This dish is made with a simple and flavorful broth made from dashi (Japanese stock), soy sauce, and mirin, and is then topped with tender pieces of chicken and soft scrambled eggs. The result is a hearty and delicious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes.
For added texture and flavor, top the dish with beni shoga (pickled red ginger), green onions, and a splash of usukuchi soy sauce (a lighter and saltier version of regular soy sauce). Serve with a side of sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad) for a complete meal.
Udon is a type of thick and chewy Japanese noodle that is often served in a warm and flavorful broth. This dish is made by simmering chicken, vegetables, and udon noodles in a broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, then topped with green onions and naruto maki (fish cakes). The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day.
If you're not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for another protein like beef or tofu. For added spice, top the dish with a sprinkle of fukujinzuke (a type of Japanese pickles) or a drizzle of rayu (Japanese chili oil). This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a dinner party.
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Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl) & Video
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh, Onion, Mitsuba, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake
Karaage is a popular Japanese fried chicken dish that is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in a light batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. This dish can be served as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a filling for a sandwich. The secret to perfectly crispy karaage is to use potato starch instead of flour for the batter.
For an extra burst of flavor, serve the karaage with a side of Japanese mayo or a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends or as a party appetizer.
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Japanese Chicken Udon
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Broth, Water, Sugar
This version of oyakodon is slightly different from the others on this list as it is made with a variety of vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, green beans, and bell peppers. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that is packed with nutrients. The vegetables are sautéed in a sweet and savory broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, then topped with tender pieces of chicken and soft scrambled eggs.
For added texture and flavor, top the dish with beni shoga (pickled red ginger), green onions, and a splash of usukuchi soy sauce (a lighter and saltier version of regular soy sauce). Serve with a side of sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad) for a complete meal.
This dish is inspired by the traditional farm-style meals in Japan, where chicken is grilled over an open flame and served with a flavorful teriyaki sauce. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, then grilled until slightly charred and cooked through. The teriyaki sauce is made from the marinade, making this dish budget-friendly and easy to make.
For added flavor, top the dish with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (a Japanese spice blend) or add a splash of mizkan (Japanese rice vinegar) for a tangy kick. This dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or as the main course for a Japanese-themed dinner party.
If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer or snack, then these chicken yakitori skewers are perfect for you. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, these skewers are perfect for a summer BBQ or as a party appetizer. The key to perfectly tender and flavorful yakitori is to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour before grilling.
For an authentic touch, use a traditional Japanese grill called a shichirin or a portable gas grill. Make sure to brush the skewers with the marinade while grilling for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with a side of steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and easy snack.
This version of karaage is slightly different from the others on this list as it uses shio koji (a fermented rice seasoning) in the marinade, giving the chicken a unique and umami-packed flavor. The rest of the recipe is similar to the other karaage recipes on this list - the chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in a light batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
For an extra burst of flavor, serve the karaage with a side of Japanese mayo or a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends or as a filling for a sandwich.
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Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken & Egg Rice Bowls)
Main Ingredients: Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sugar, Chicken Thighs
This classic karaage recipe is a staple in many Japanese households. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in a light batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The key to perfectly crispy karaage is to use potato starch instead of flour for the batter.
For an extra burst of flavor, serve the karaage with a side of Japanese mayo or a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends or as a filling for a sandwich.
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Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
This updated version of karaage uses a different marinade and cooking method, resulting in a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. The marinade is made with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, giving the chicken a sweet and salty taste. The chicken is then fried in a pan instead of deep-fried, making it a healthier option.
For added flavor, serve the karaage with a side of Japanese mayo or a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends or as a filling for a sandwich.
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Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers
Main Ingredients: Coconut Sugar, Mirin, Tamari, Rice Vinegar, Chicken
This dish is a Japanese take on the classic Chinese sweet and sour chicken. The chicken is coated in a light and crispy batter, then tossed in a homemade sweet and sour sauce made from ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar. The result is a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that is sure to please.
For added crunch, serve with a side of sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad) or top with a sprinkle of fukujinzuke (a type of Japanese pickles). This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or for a casual gathering with friends.
This version of karaage uses a different marinade and cooking method, resulting in a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. The marinade is made with soy sauce, sake, and ginger, giving the chicken a savory and slightly spicy taste. The chicken is then fried in a pan instead of deep-fried, making it a healthier option.
For added flavor, serve the karaage with a side of Japanese mayo or a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends or as a filling for a sandwich.
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Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh, Light Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Mirin
This dish is inspired by the traditional farm-style meals in Japan, where chicken is grilled over an open flame and served with a flavorful teriyaki sauce. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, then grilled until slightly charred and cooked through. The teriyaki sauce is made from the marinade, making this dish budget-friendly and easy to make.
Preparation
Gather Your Ingredients
Before beginning the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This includes chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You may also want to have green onions, sesame seeds, and rice on hand to serve as garnishes.
Marinate the Chicken
To infuse the chicken thighs with flavor, they need to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-3 hours. In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and make sure they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Prepare the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grill by preheating it to medium-high heat. Make sure to clean and oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Cook the Chicken
Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can baste the chicken with the marinade during cooking for extra flavor.
Serving
Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender and juicy dish. Slice the chicken and serve over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Pair with Sides
This Japanese chicken thigh recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some suggested options include steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a simple salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken will complement a wide range of side dishes, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Enjoy!
With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Japanese chicken thigh dish right in your own kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Japan in every bite.
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