Shoyu Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. This recipe brings together tender chicken simmered in a soy sauce-based marinade, perfect for a comforting dinner with a taste of the islands.
Ingredients for Shoyu Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs: 8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on
- Soy Sauce: 1 cup
- Water: 1 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Green Onions: 4 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated or finely minced
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp
- Mirin: 1/4 cup (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (optional, for thickening)
How to Make Shoyu Chicken:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, green onions (reserve some for garnish), garlic, ginger, sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Simmer the Chicken:
- Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer chicken thighs to a serving platter. Spoon sauce over the chicken and garnish with remaining chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
About the Main Ingredients:
Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds flavor and keeps the meat tender during the cooking process. The skin also contributes to a richer sauce.
Soy Sauce: The base of the marinade, soy sauce provides the savory umami flavor that defines Shoyu Chicken. Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
Brown Sugar and Mirin: These sweet ingredients balance the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a delicious sweet-savory profile that’s characteristic of Hawaiian cuisine.
This Shoyu Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the islands. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, and savor the unique tastes of Hawaii in every bite.
