Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken with Scallions

Teriyaki chicken with scallions

Teriyaki chicken is simple to create by using only two sauces. This straightforward yet captivating video recipe emphasizes two primary sauces—oyster sauce and hoisin sauce—that are crucial for creating a rich and delectable teriyaki flavor. These sauces are fundamental for enhancing the taste of various dishes, highlighting their versatility and significance in Asian cuisine. By adjusting the amount and proportion of these two sauces, home cooks can discover a wide range of flavors, each customized to suit their personal preferences and palate.

Ingredients (serving for 2)

Thinly sliced chicken breast

• 8 oz of thinly sliced chicken breast

• 1/4 cup of sliced stem portions of scallions

• 2 tablespoons of canola oil (use any available oil)

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon of Wok with Tak Basic Seasoning Mix (omit if not available)

• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce

Steps

1. Coat the chicken with cornstarch, sugar, and Wok with Tak Basic Seasoning Mix.

2. Preheat the wok over high heat.

3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cooking oil into the preheated wok.

4. Heat the oil until it starts to gently smoke.

5. Reduce the heat and allow the oil to gently smoke for about 15 seconds (refer to the video on spot seasoning for more details).

6. Turn the heat back up to high.

7. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the wok's flat surface.

8. Fry the chicken for around 60 seconds or until it reaches the desired level of browning.

9. Flip the chicken over and fry the other side for 30 seconds.

10. Introduce scallions to the wok.

11. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.

12. Turn off the heat or to low.

13. Add oyster sauce and hoisin sauce.

14. Taste test and make further adjustments as desired.

15. Stir and mix well, and the dish is now ready to be served.

16. The total cooking time is approximately 5 minutes.

Afterthoughts

Seasoning a dish is incredibly simple when a clear foundational system is available to guide the cook. A system that is both flexible and adaptable permits easy modifications and adjustments, which is especially advantageous for those experimenting with their cooking abilities. In this scenario, a novice cook can produce a diverse array of flavors by adjusting the ratio of just two sauces: oyster sauce and hoisin sauce.

For example, adding more oyster sauce can enhance the umami flavor, while modifying the amount of hoisin sauce can bring sweetness or a slight tang. This cooking approach simplifies seasoning and gives cooks the ability to control their culinary creations, allowing them to confidently achieve their preferred flavors. The straightforwardness of this method is advantageous for experimenting and exploring flavor pairings with various ingredients, fostering diversity that might not have been achievable otherwise.

Furthermore, this approach to seasoning exemplifies the foundational principles of the flavor chasing technique, which is a key component of the FAST Cooking System. By encouraging a hands-on exploration of flavor combinations, this system transforms home cooking into an exciting and enjoyable adventure, where experimentation is welcomed, and the journey toward the perfect dish becomes a fulfilling experience. The FAST Cooking System emphasizes the importance of understanding flavors and encourages cooks to trust their instincts, making cooking not just a chore, but a delightful exploration of taste and creativity.