Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe

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A Fusion of East and West

Teriyaki chicken, a beloved dish with roots in Japanese cuisine, has captured hearts worldwide. Its sweet and savory glaze, combined with tender, juicy chicken, is a culinary delight. Today, we’ll elevate this classic dish to new heights, infusing it with flavors from diverse culinary traditions.

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese rice wine)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced

    • Preparation Process:

    Total Time: 30 minutes

    1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
    2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
    3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade. Cook chicken in batches until browned on all sides.
    4. Create the Glaze: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
    5. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
    6. Finish the Dish: Toss the cooked chicken in the thickened sauce to coat evenly. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

    Serving Suggestions:

    Classic Pairing: Serve over steamed rice with a side of stir-fried vegetables.

  • Elevated Presentation: Plate the chicken on a bed of arugula, drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
  • Fusion Feast: Pair with a side of kimchi or a spicy Korean chili paste for a bold flavor contrast.

    • A Culinary Journey

    This recipe is a testament to the beauty of culinary fusion. It draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine, while incorporating elements from Chinese and Korean culinary practices. The sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki glaze, combined with the aromatic spices and herbs, create a symphony of taste that is both familiar and exotic.

    As we savor this dish, we embark on a culinary journey, exploring the diverse cultures that have shaped our global food landscape. Each bite is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the power of food to bring people together.