Teriyaki Chicken From Seattle

Seattle Chicken Teriyaki, slightly different from traditional teriyaki, is guaranteed to become your new go-to grilling obsession. Chicken is marinated in a simple, yet powerful sauce and lightly charred to perfection.

Seattle is known for its lush greenery, vibrant arts scene, and, of course, its diverse culinary landscape. Among the city’s many beloved dishes, teriyaki chicken stands out as a favorite. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch from a local teriyaki joint or making it at home, this dish has become a staple in Seattle’s food culture.

What Makes This So Great?

Seattle teriyaki chicken isn’t just another meal—it’s a local tradition. The dish is characterized by its sweet and savory marinade, which gives the chicken a rich and mouthwatering taste.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make it accessible to both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. What sets Seattle teriyaki chicken apart is the perfect balance of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, combined with the aromatic blend of garlic and ginger.

Grilled to perfection, the chicken develops a slightly charred exterior that enhances its depth of taste.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Before you start preparing your teriyaki chicken, make sure you have the right equipment:

• Charcoal or gas grill: This is essential for achieving that authentic grilled texture and slight char on the chicken.

That’s it! This recipe doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, just your grill and a few common kitchen tools like a saucepan, blender, and resealable plastic bags.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 cup soy sauce
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 2-inch piece of ginger
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 3 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp oil

These ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, making this dish convenient to prepare.

How To Make It

Let’s get into the cooking process. Follow these steps to make delicious Seattle-style teriyaki chicken:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to a boil.
   • Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
2. Make the Marinade:
   • Take ¾ cup of the cooled teriyaki sauce and place it in a blender with the garlic and ginger.
   • Blend until smooth, about 10-20 seconds.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken thighs in a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag.
   • Add the blended teriyaki marinade, close the bag while pushing out extra air, and turn to coat the chicken on all sides.
   • Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.
   • Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce into a resealable container and store it in the fridge for serving.
4. Grill the Chicken:
   • Heat your grill until hot and oil the cooking grate.
   • Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook until it is lightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side.
   • Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and cut it into slices.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the sliced chicken with the reserved teriyaki sauce alongside white rice.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

Teriyaki chicken has roots in Japanese cuisine but has been embraced and adapted by many cultures worldwide. In Seattle, the teriyaki craze began in the 1970s and 1980s when Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans started opening teriyaki joints across the city. These establishments quickly gained popularity due to their delicious and affordable offerings. Over time, Seattle developed its unique take on teriyaki chicken, characterized by a slightly sweeter marinade and a focus on grilling. Today, it’s hard to walk through any Seattle neighborhood without encountering a teriyaki restaurant.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free)?

Seattle teriyaki chicken can be easily adapted to meet various dietary needs:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Marinate and grill these options the same way you would with chicken.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, like mirin, are also gluten-free.

These simple substitutions ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious teriyaki meal, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Is Teriyaki a Seattle Thing?

While teriyaki originated in Japan, Seattle has embraced and popularized its own version of teriyaki chicken. The dish has become synonymous with Seattle’s food scene, thanks to the numerous teriyaki joints that dot the city. These restaurants often offer a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for the city’s busy lifestyle.

What US City Is Known for Its Chicken Teriyaki?

Seattle is undoubtedly the US city most famous for its chicken teriyaki. The dish has become a staple in the local cuisine, with countless restaurants and food trucks serving up their unique takes on this beloved meal.

What Foods Is Seattle Famous For?

In addition to teriyaki chicken, Seattle is famous for several other foods:

• Seafood: Particularly salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters.
• Coffee: Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and has a thriving coffee culture.
• Pike Place Market Specialties: Fresh produce, locally made cheeses, and artisan foods.

Is Teriyaki a Cuisine?

Teriyaki itself is not a cuisine but a cooking technique and style that originated in Japan. It involves marinating and grilling meat or fish with a soy sauce-based glaze. However, in places like Seattle, teriyaki has become so popular that it has carved out a niche in the local culinary landscape.

What Food Was Invented in Seattle?

One notable food item that was invented in Seattle is the Seattle Dog, a hot dog topped with cream cheese and grilled onions. It’s a unique and delicious twist on the traditional hot dog and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

How Should I Store This?

If you have leftovers, store the cooked teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or reheat it gently on the stove with a bit of the reserved teriyaki sauce to keep it moist.

Seattle’s teriyaki chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a reflection of the city’s rich culinary history and diverse cultural influences. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can bring a taste of Seattle to your kitchen and enjoy this iconic dish any time you like.