Chicken Teriyaki is delicious juicy chicken thighs soaked in a shoyu-based marinade, then grilled until perfection – with a sweet and smoky taste that’s hard to resist. Fresh lettuce wraps offer a fresh touch that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Chicken Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps: Perfect for Meal Prepping
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Where did Teriyaki Chicken Come from?
Teriyaki originally roots from Japanese culture and refers to the cooking method in which foods are broiled or grilled with a glazed mixture of shoyu, mirin, and sugar. It was actually used mostly on fish in Japan and was thought to develop in Hawaii when Japanese immigrants settled there and started using local ingredients in their cooking. It changed to be served with rice and some vegetables.
What makes Hawaii Teriyaki different?
In Hawaii, Teriyaki chicken is usually marinated before cooking. This wasn’t common in Japan when Teriyaki chicken was made. It also has some different ingredients like pineapple juice. This helps tenderize the chicken and also adds some sweetness to it as well. Ginger and garlic were also used to add complexity of flavor.
After it is marinated for a while, the chicken is then grilled or broiled, which gives it a nice char and enhances it smoky flavors. In the Japanese method, the sauce is often applied towards the end of the cooking.
Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Thighs – I like to use chicken thighs over chicken breasts because they have a little more flavor!
- Shoyu – Whatever Soy sauce you can find but I usually prefer Aloha Shoyu Brand. Can find at pretty much all grocery stores!
- Mirin – It’s a Japanese rice wine that can pretty much be found in most grocery stores! Also check Asian grocery stores if you can’t find it there.
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
Secret to the Perfect Marinated Teriyaki Chicken
Usually, I like to cook Teriyaki Chicken on a grill because it gives it a nice char and smoky flavor but I didn’t have one. I used a cast iron skillet instead. You don’t get too much of a smokey flavor using it but it does give it a really nice char! The sauce gets to a really nice sticky brown color that looks delicious.
Other Options for Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
You can definitely make your own teriyaki sauce, as it’s quite easy. However, if you’re missing certain ingredients like soy sauce or mirin, or if you prefer a premade option, I recommend trying Aloha Shoyu’s Da Yaki Sauce or their Regular Teriyaki Sauce (Use code: HIGASHISKITCHEN for 15% off your order!). These are great for marinating your chicken; let it soak for about 8 hours or overnight. Then, you can cook it just as described!
Other Ways to Eat Teriyaki Chicken
There are so many ways to enjoy Teriyaki Chicken. In Hawaii, a typical Teriyaki Chicken plate usually includes two scoops of rice and mac salad, or sometimes Korean side dishes, depending on where you order. For a healthier twist, I like to serve it as lettuce wraps! Teriyaki Chicken is also an ideal protein for large parties and gatherings. It’s super easy to make, and guests always love it!
Looking for more Hawaii Style recipes? Check these out:
- Chicken Karaage – Japanese Fried Chicken that has been marinated in a tasty mix of shoyu and ginger.
- Chicken Katsu – Another popular protein in Hawaii that pairs perfectly with rice and mac salad! Also super easy to bring to parties.
- Hawaiian Honey Toast – Ice cream served with toast make a delicious dessert that is so hard to resist!
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thigh
- 4 Tbsp shoyu
- 3 Tbsp Mirin
- 1½ Tbsp honey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp ginger minced
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ Lime Juice
- pepper to taste
Lettuce Wraps
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- Ssamjang paste
- Kimchi
- Korean style bean sprouts
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to bowl and mix well. Add chicken thighs. Transfer to ziplock or cover with saran wrap and place in fridge. Marinate 4-8 hours.
- Once chicken is finished marinating grill or cook in cast iron skillet until brown and sauce is sticky.
- For the lettuce wraps separate your head of lettuce and wash.
- To assemble, spread Ssamjang paste on the lettuce, add chicken, kimchi, and Korean soybeans.