Shoyu chicken is a popular dish in Hawaii that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, and the tender and juicy chicken is a treat for the taste buds. If you are looking for a new recipe to try, then why not give shoyu chicken a go? In this article, we will guide you through the ingredients needed, the marinade, the kitchen tools required, and how to make and cook this delicious dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Shoyu Chicken Recipe Hawaii
To make shoyu chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
For the Marinade Shoyu Chicken Recipe Hawaii
The marinade is what gives the shoyu chicken its unique flavor. Here is how to make the marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and make sure they are fully coated.
- Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Kitchen Tools Needed Shoyu Chicken Recipe Hawaii
To make shoyu chicken, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A measuring cup
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A skillet or a grill
- A pair of tongs
How to Make Shoyu Chicken Recipe Hawaii
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make shoyu chicken:
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Preheat a skillet or a grill over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken on the skillet or the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the marinade and whisk until it is fully dissolved.
- Bring the marinade to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the marinade for about 5 minutes or until it has thickened.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet or the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Brush the thickened marinade over the chicken and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Cook Shoyu Chicken Recipe Hawaii
Shoyu chicken can be cooked in a skillet or on a grill. Here is how to cook it:
- Preheat a skillet or a grill over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken on the skillet or the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked through.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet or the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Brush the thickened marinade over the chicken and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, so we recommend using them if possible.
2. Can I make shoyu chicken in advance?
Yes, you can make shoyu chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve it, reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop and brush the thickened marinade over it before serving.
3. Can I freeze shoyu chicken?
Yes, you can freeze shoyu chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you are ready to serve it, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use a different type of sugar if you prefer. However, brown sugar is recommended because it adds a rich and caramel-like flavor to the marinade.
5. Can I add vegetables to shoyu chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and carrots to shoyu chicken if you like. Simply chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and cook them with the chicken.
6. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your sodium intake. However, the flavor of the shoyu chicken may be less intense.
7. Can I grill shoyu chicken?
Yes, you can grill shoyu chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. Simply preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked through.
8. Can I add more garlic or ginger to the marinade?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your liking. However, be careful not to add too much as it may overpower the other flavors in the marinade.
9. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. However, the cooking time may be longer.
10. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork or beef if you like. However, the cooking time and the flavor may vary.
11. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make shoyu chicken. Simply place the chicken and the marinade in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
12. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer. However, sesame oil is recommended because it adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
13. Can I use fresh ginger instead of grated ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger instead of grated ginger if you prefer. Simply peel and finely chop the ginger before adding it to the marinade.
14. Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use honey instead of brown sugar if you prefer. However, the flavor of the shoyu chicken may be different.
15. Can I use a different type of soy sauce?
Yes, you can use a different type of soy sauce such as tamari or shoyu if you prefer. However, the flavor of the shoyu chicken may be different.
16. Can I make the marinade without sugar?
No, sugar is an essential ingredient in the marinade because it helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a sweet and caramel-like flavor to the chicken.
17. Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours if you like. However, be careful not to marinate it for too long as the chicken may become too salty and the texture may become mushy.