What Goes Good With Teriyaki Chicken: Healthy Side Options

What Goes Good With Teriyaki Chicken?

Versatile Side Dishes For Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with a wide range of side dishes. The beauty of teriyaki chicken lies in its ability to complement various flavors and textures. From Japanese vegetables to sushi and vegetarian options, there are countless side dishes that can perfectly match the taste and aesthetic of teriyaki chicken.

When thinking of side dishes, it’s important to consider the balance of flavors and textures. Teriyaki chicken has a sweet, savory, and tangy taste, so it pairs well with sides that provide a contrast or enhance these flavors. Additionally, the side dishes should have a variety of textures to create a well-rounded meal.

Classic Pairings: Rice And Steamed Vegetables

One of the most classic pairings for teriyaki chicken is a bed of fluffy white rice and a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. The simplicity of these side dishes allows the flavors of the teriyaki chicken to shine.

White rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine and acts as a neutral base for the savory teriyaki sauce. Its mild flavor and soft texture provide a satisfying contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken. The nutty aroma of the rice also complements the dish well.

Steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, provide a pop of color and freshness. They add a crunchy texture and bring a healthy element to the meal. The tender-crisp vegetables provide a balance to the rich flavors of the teriyaki chicken.

Signature Sauce: Ingredients For Chicken Teriyaki

The secret to a delicious teriyaki chicken lies in its signature sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, honey, water, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and slightly sticky sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.

Soy sauce serves as the base of the sauce, adding saltiness and umami flavors. Honey adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the chicken as it cooks. Garlic and ginger provide depth and aroma, while vinegar adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness.

The combination of these ingredients creates a versatile sauce that can be used not only for teriyaki chicken but also as a glaze for vegetables or other proteins. It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine and adds a distinct flavor profile to any dish it is used in.

Chicken Choices: Breasts Or Thighs?

When it comes to choosing the right chicken for teriyaki chicken, you have two main options: chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Both options have their own advantages and can yield delicious results, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

• Chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them a popular choice for those looking for a healthier option. They cook quickly and can be easily sliced into thin strips, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the teriyaki sauce. However, they can sometimes be dry if overcooked, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time.

• On the other hand, chicken thighs are known for their juiciness and rich flavor. They have a higher fat content, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Chicken thighs also tend to be more forgiving when it comes to cooking time, making them a great choice for beginners.

Ultimately, both chicken breast and chicken thigh can create a delicious teriyaki chicken dish. It’s all about personal preference and what you’re looking for in terms of taste and texture.

Storing And Reheating Leftover Teriyaki Chicken

When storing leftover teriyaki chicken, it is important to keep it fresh and safe to consume. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

To reheat the teriyaki chicken, the microwave is the quickest and easiest method. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then check the temperature. Continue reheating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is heated thoroughly.

It’s important to note that reheating the chicken too much or for too long can cause it to become dry. To prevent this, be mindful of the reheating time and check the temperature frequently to ensure it’s heated evenly.

20 Side Dishes That Perfectly Match Teriyaki Chicken

• Rice: A classic and simple side dish that pairs well with the flavors of teriyaki chicken. Opt for white or brown rice depending on your preference.

• Japanese Veggies: Try side dishes like Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers or miso-glazed eggplant for a taste of Japan.

• Side Salad: A refreshing and light option to balance out the richness of the teriyaki chicken.

• Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters: These fritters add a crispy texture and a touch of sweetness to the meal.

• Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant: A vegetarian option that complements the flavors of the teriyaki chicken.

• Spicy Kani Salad: A spicy and tangy crab salad that adds a kick of flavor.

• Elotes Style Corn with Furikake: A tasty twist on corn on the cob, sprinkled with Japanese seasoning.

• Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with Pancetta, glazed with teriyaki sauce for a burst of flavor.

• Teriyaki Spam: A Hawaiian twist on teriyaki chicken, using fried Spam slices instead.

• Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant: A vegetarian option that complements and enhances the flavors of teriyaki chicken.

• Ramen Eggs: Soft-boiled eggs marinated in a soy-based sauce, adding a rich and creamy element to the meal.

• Sautéed French Green Beans with Furikake: A simple and flavorful side dish that adds a crunchy texture.

• 10-Minute Sautéed Broccolini: A quick and easy way to enjoy the freshness of broccolini with a hint of sweetness.

• Crunchy Spicy California Roll: A sushi roll filled with crab, avocado, and cucumber, adding a refreshing element to the meal.

• Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash: A sweet and savory side dish that complements the flavors of teriyaki chicken.

• Hamachi Crudo: A delicate and flavorful raw fish dish that adds a touch of elegance.

• Ikura Donburi: A rice bowl topped with marinated salmon roe, adding a burst of briny flavor to the meal.

• Ebi Tempura: Light and crispy shrimp tempura that adds a different texture and flavor to the teriyaki chicken.

• Tobiko Gunkan Sushi: Small sushi rice balls wrapped in seaweed and topped with flying fish roe, adding a burst of color and a slight pop to the bite.

• Spicy Tuna Onigiri: A handheld sushi rice ball filled with spicy tuna, perfect for a portable and flavorful meal.

These side dishes offer a variety of flavors and options to enhance and complement the taste of teriyaki chicken. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or bold and indulgent, there is a side dish on this list that will perfectly match your teriyaki chicken meal. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings and enjoy the deliciousness of teriyaki chicken with a healthy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you serve teriyaki chicken with?

Teriyaki chicken pairs deliciously with a variety of accompaniments that perfectly balance its flavors. To enhance your dining experience, consider serving this succulent dish with a side of fluffy steamed rice or hearty brown rice, complemented by a medley of vibrant stir-fried vegetables. Alternatively, zucchini noodles or sesame noodles bring a delightful twist to the traditional pairing, adding a light and refreshing element to the meal. Whichever direction you choose, don’t forget to indulge in savory steamed dumplings or crispy tempura vegetables, providing a delightful contrast in textures.

What Flavours work with teriyaki?

Teriyaki boasts a versatile flavor profile that harmonizes well with various combinations. The rich umami notes of teriyaki can be further enhanced by incorporating complementary flavors. For instance, the vibrant kick of ginger adds a refreshing and tangy element to teriyaki, while the subtle heat of chili amplifies the overall taste sensation. Additionally, the pungent notes of garlic can elevate the teriyaki marinade, infusing it with a savory and aromatic undertone. When used together, ginger, chili, and garlic add depth and complexity to teriyaki, creating a truly delightful culinary experience.

What to serve with teriyaki meat?

While teriyaki meat is often accompanied by jasmine rice, vegetable stir-fry, soba noodles, and pineapple fried rice, a lesser-known but equally delicious option is steamed bok choy. The crisp and tender texture of the bok choy complements the sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki meat, creating a harmonious balance. Additionally, serving edamame alongside the teriyaki meat adds a pop of vibrant green color and a healthy dose of protein and fiber to the meal, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice.

What sauce goes with chicken teriyaki Subway?

For a delectable pairing with Subway’s chicken teriyaki, the Sweet Onion dressing complements the flavors in a delectable way. The tangy and slightly sweet notes of the dressing delicately enhance the marinated chicken, providing a harmonious balance of flavors. With each bite, the savory teriyaki sauce harmonizes with the refreshing taste of the Sweet Onion dressing, making it an ideal combination for your Subway chicken teriyaki sandwich.