Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my culinary adventure with a dish that never fails to tantalize my taste buds – the delectable Chicken Teriyaki Salad.
Join me as I dive into the realm of flavors and textures that make this dish a true standout in the world of salads.
What is chicken teriyaki salad?
Chicken Teriyaki Salad is a delightful fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines, where tender marinated chicken meets a vibrant array of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a luscious teriyaki dressing.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with a touch of umami that brings a unique depth of flavor to every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other chicken teriyaki salad?
What sets this Chicken Teriyaki Salad apart from others is the perfect harmony of ingredients and the meticulous balance of flavors.
The tender, juicy chicken marinated in a rich soy-based sauce combined with crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty teriyaki dressing create a symphony of tastes and textures that is simply irresistible.
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How Does It Taste Like?
The first bite is a burst of savory umami from the marinated chicken, followed by a subtle sweetness from the teriyaki dressing. The freshness of the vegetables adds a crisp contrast, while the sesame seeds and seaweed bring a hint of nuttiness and oceanic umami notes to the dish.
Each forkful is a delightful journey for the palate, a harmonious blend of flavors that leave you craving for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish:
For the Marinade:
- Low sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce serves as the base of the marinade, imparting a rich umami flavor to the chicken while also adding depth and saltiness.
- Sugar (brown or white): Sugar adds sweetness to the marinade, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
- Minced garlic: Garlic infuses the marinade with a pungent, savory flavor, adding depth and complexity to the chicken.
- Mirin: Mirin adds sweetness and a subtle tang to the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and adding a depth of flavor.
- Sake: Sake contributes a mild sweetness and acidity to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken while also helping to tenderize it.
- Oil: Oil helps to coat the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the grill or pan while also adding richness and moisture to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast fillets: The chicken serves as the main protein in the salad, providing a hearty and satisfying element that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
For the Dressing:
- Teriyaki dressing: Teriyaki dressing adds a sweet and savory flavor to the salad, tying together the flavors of the chicken and vegetables while also adding a glossy sheen.
- Pineapple juice: Pineapple juice adds a tropical sweetness to the dressing, balancing the savory flavors and adding brightness.
- Rice wine vinegar: Rice wine vinegar provides acidity and tang to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding depth.
- Toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing, complementing the other ingredients and adding depth.
For the Salad:
- Romaine or Cos lettuce leaves: The lettuce serves as the base of the salad, providing freshness and crunch.
- Large cucumber: Cucumber adds a crisp texture and refreshing flavor to the salad, balancing the richness of the chicken and dressing.
- Carrot: Carrot adds sweetness and color to the salad, as well as a satisfying crunch.
- Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the salad, enhancing its overall brightness.
- Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and richness to the salad, as well as healthy fats.
- Green onion (Australian shallots): Green onion adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
- Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad, as well as visual appeal.
- Seaweed sheet: Seaweed adds a savory umami flavor and a touch of oceanic freshness to the salad, enhancing its overall complexity.
Step by Step Instructions:
Now, let’s dive into the art of crafting this exquisite Chicken Teriyaki Salad. Follow these steps closely for a truly unforgettable culinary experience:
Step 1:
In a medium-sized shallow bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of mirin, 3 tablespoons of sake, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour out 1/2 cup of the sauce into a small bowl for later use and set it aside.
Step 2:
Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast fillets) into the marinade in the bowl. Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
Step 3:
Heat the oil in a good quality non-stick pan or well-seasoned skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4:
Sear the chicken in the hot pan for about 5 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken and continue to sear for a further 3 minutes.
Step 5:
Pour in the remaining sauce leftover in the bowl with the chicken. Continue cooking the chicken until the sauce thickens and reduces down, coating the chicken nicely. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes while preparing the dressing.
Step 6:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade (from step 1) with 1/4 cup of untouched teriyaki dressing pineapple juice, 1 teaspoon of rice wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Add 2 tablespoons of water and mix well to combine.
Step 7:
Prepare all of the salad ingredients in a large salad bowl. Add 4 cups of washed and dried Romaine (or Cos) lettuce leaves, 1/2 sliced large cucumber, thinly sliced or grated carrot, roughly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sliced green onion (Australian shallots), sesame seeds, and shredded seaweed.
Step 8:
Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the salad.
Step 9:
Top the salad with green onion slices, sesame seeds, shredded seaweed, and drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Step 10:
Toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 11:
Serve the chicken teriyaki salad immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures!
Tips & Tricks On Making Chicken Teriyaki Salad:
When preparing Chicken Teriyaki Salad, keep these essential tips and tricks in mind to elevate your culinary creation:
– Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
– Grill the chicken over medium heat to achieve a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
– Use fresh, vibrant vegetables to add crunch and color to your salad.
– Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
– Customize the salad with additional toppings such as sliced almonds or crispy wonton strips for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
For those conscious of their dietary intake, here is the approximate nutrition information for a serving of Chicken Teriyaki Salad:
– Calories: 350
– Fat: 15g
– Sodium: 800mg
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 6g
– Protein: 30g
How Do I Store This Dish?
To store any leftover Chicken Teriyaki Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Remember to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.
Substitute
Tofu: Use grilled tofu cubes as a vegetarian alternative to chicken.
Quinoa: Substitute lettuce with cooked quinoa for a heartier salad base.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can offer a meaty texture and umami flavor.
Edamame: Add boiled edamame beans for a protein-packed twist.
Asian Pear: Thinly sliced Asian pear can add a refreshing crunch to your salad.
Chicken teriyaki salad recipe
Equipment
- non-stick pan or well-seasoned skillet
Ingredients
– FOR THE MARINADE:
- – 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- – 2 tablespoons sugar brown or white are both fine to use
- – 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- – 3 tablespoons mirin
- – 3 tablespoons sake
- – 1 tablespoon oil
- – 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breast fillets)
– FOR THE DRESSING:
- – 1/4 cup untouched teriyaki dressing pineapple juice
- – 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- – 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– FOR THE SALAD:
- – 4 cups washed and dried Romaine or Cos lettuce leaves
- – 1/2 sliced large cucumber
- – 1 carrot sliced thin or grated
- – Cilantro – roughly chopped
- – 1 sliced avocado
- – 1 sliced green onion Australian shallots
- – Sesame seeds
- – 1/4 shredded seaweed sheet
Instructions
- Now, let’s dive into the art of crafting this exquisite Chicken Teriyaki Salad. Follow these steps closely for a truly unforgettable culinary experience:
Step 1:
- In a medium-sized shallow bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of mirin, 3 tablespoons of sake, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour out 1/2 cup of the sauce into a small bowl for later use and set it aside.
Step 2:
- Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast fillets) into the marinade in the bowl. Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
Step 3:
- Heat the oil in a good quality non-stick pan or well-seasoned skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4:
- Sear the chicken in the hot pan for about 5 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken and continue to sear for a further 3 minutes.
Step 5:
- Pour in the remaining sauce leftover in the bowl with the chicken. Continue cooking the chicken until the sauce thickens and reduces down, coating the chicken nicely. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes while preparing the dressing.
Step 6:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade (from step 1) with 1/4 cup of untouched teriyaki dressing pineapple juice, 1 teaspoon of rice wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Add 2 tablespoons of water and mix well to combine.
Step 7:
- Prepare all of the salad ingredients in a large salad bowl. Add 4 cups of washed and dried Romaine (or Cos) lettuce leaves, 1/2 sliced large cucumber, thinly sliced or grated carrot, roughly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sliced green onion (Australian shallots), sesame seeds, and shredded seaweed.
Step 8:
- Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the salad.
Step 9:
- Top the salad with green onion slices, sesame seeds, shredded seaweed, and drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Step 10:
- Toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 11:
- Serve the chicken teriyaki salad immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well in this recipe. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
Q: Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can opt for gluten-free soy sauce and teriyaki dressing to make this salad completely gluten-free without compromising on taste.
Q: Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time for this salad?
A: While you can marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing in advance, it’s recommended to assemble the salad just before serving to retain its freshness and crunch.
Q: What can I serve alongside this Chicken Teriyaki Salad?
A: This salad pairs beautifully with a side of steamed white rice or a bowl of miso soup for a well-rounded meal.
Q: Can I add additional toppings to this salad?
A: Feel free to customize your Chicken Teriyaki Salad with toppings such as toasted cashews, crispy wonton strips, or shredded red cabbage for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, my journey with Chicken Teriyaki Salad has been nothing short of a culinary delight. From the tantalizing flavors of marinated chicken to the vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and the zesty teriyaki dressing, every bite of this salad is a symphony for the senses.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps with care, and embark on your very own flavorful adventure with this exquisite Chicken Teriyaki Salad. Bon appétit!
