seattle style teriyaki recipe

Seattle-Style Teriyaki: A Sweet and Savory Sensation

Seattle-style teriyaki, known for its sweeter, thicker sauce and generous portions, has become a beloved local favorite. This unique variation evolved from traditional Japanese teriyaki, adapting to local tastes and ingredients to create a distinctly Pacific Northwest dish. The result is a flavorful, accessible meal often enjoyed with rice and sides like macaroni salad or steamed vegetables.

What Makes Seattle Teriyaki Unique?

Seattle teriyaki differentiates itself from its Japanese counterpart primarily through its sauce. It’s typically sweeter, using more sugar or honey, and often features a thicker consistency achieved through cornstarch or other thickening agents. While traditional teriyaki emphasizes soy sauce and mirin for a balanced savory-sweet profile, Seattle’s version leans heavily towards the sweet end of the spectrum.

The Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

While recipes vary, the core components of Seattle-style teriyaki sauce usually include:

• Soy Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, providing a salty umami base.
• Sugar (or Honey): Essential for the signature sweetness. Brown sugar, white sugar, or honey are common choices.
• Mirin (or Sake): Adds depth and complexity to the flavor. Rice wine vinegar can be a substitute.
• Ginger and Garlic: Infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• Cornstarch (or Potato Starch): Thickens the sauce to a glossy glaze.
• Optional Additions: Some recipes incorporate pineapple juice, sesame oil, or red pepper flakes for added complexity.

How to Prepare Seattle-Style Teriyaki

Here’s a simplified recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or your choice of protein)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar (or honey), mirin (or rice wine vinegar), ginger, and garlic.
3. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
6. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
7. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Toss the chicken in the thickened sauce to coat.
10. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Seattle teriyaki is often served with steamed rice, a side of macaroni salad (a local favorite!), and steamed or stir-fried vegetables. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the region’s unique culinary adaptations. You can find more information about Teriyaki on Wikipedia

FAQs

Why is Seattle teriyaki so sweet?

Seattle-style teriyaki has evolved to cater to local preferences, resulting in a sweeter sauce compared to traditional Japanese versions. The addition of extra sugar or honey creates this distinctive sweetness.

What’s the difference between Seattle teriyaki and regular teriyaki?

The main difference lies in the sweetness and thickness of the sauce. Seattle teriyaki is typically sweeter and thicker, while regular teriyaki has a more balanced savory-sweet profile and a thinner consistency.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast. However, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain more moist during cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended. For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

What can I serve with Seattle teriyaki?

Common accompaniments include steamed rice, macaroni salad, and steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

Summary

Seattle-style teriyaki is a distinctive regional variation characterized by its sweeter, thicker sauce. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it’s a delicious and accessible dish that has become a staple in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe to find your perfect balance of sweet and savory!