Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls
Homemade teriyaki glaze that clings to the chicken — ready with jasmine rice in 25.
Method · 9 steps
- 1
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear — 90 seconds of rinsing. Combine rice and 2.25 cups water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, and simmer 15 minutes. Kill heat, rest covered 5 minutes.
- 2
Pat chicken thighs dry and season with a pinch of salt.
- 3
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, grated ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and reduce 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 4
Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Simmer 60 more seconds — it will turn glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat.
- 5
Steam broccoli: place florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tbsp water, cover with a plate, microwave 3 minutes. Drain.
- 6
Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken thighs smooth side down and sear 5 minutes undisturbed — you want a hard golden crust. Flip and cook 4 more minutes until internal hits 165°F.
- 7
Pour half the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the hot pan. Flip to coat, then simmer 60 seconds, letting the glaze reduce onto the meat.
- 8
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest 3 minutes. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch strips.
- 9
Assemble bowls: 3/4 cup rice, sliced chicken, handful of broccoli. Drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce, then sesame oil. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Chef's notes
- →Rinse the rice. Unrinsed jasmine rice is gummy — 90 seconds of rinsing is the fix.
- →Sear thighs 5 full minutes on the first side without touching. Early flipping prevents the crust that carries flavor.
- →Real mirin, not 'aji-mirin' sweet cooking wine — mirin has the depth that bottled teriyaki imitates badly.
Storage
Fridge 4 days in meal-prep containers. Microwave 2 minutes with a splash of water on the rice.