I could eat this everyday for dinner
I could eat this everyday for dinner is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Sara - Nutrient Matters on YouTube.
Prep: 38 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min
Cost: $12.24 total, $3.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, sliced thinly against the grain)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (used to tenderize the chicken)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp Water (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑heat oil for stir‑fry)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 medium Green Bell Pepper (julienned)
- 1/2 medium Red Bell Pepper (julienned)
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1/2 medium White Onion (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz Udon Noodles (dry, cooked according to package)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted, for garnish)
Instructions
Slice Chicken
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and slice it into thin strips, about 1/4‑inch thick, cutting against the grain.
Time: PT5M
Tenderize with Baking Soda
Sprinkle 1 tsp baking soda over the chicken strips, massage it in, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Time: PT17M
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the chicken under cool water to remove the baking soda, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Time: PT3M
Prep Vegetables
Julienne the green and red bell peppers, slice the onion thinly, and cut broccoli into bite‑size florets.
Time: PT5M
Mince Garlic
Peel and mince 2 garlic cloves.
Time: PT1M
Make Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan combine soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, sesame oil, Sriracha, white pepper, and oyster sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Prepare Slurry
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth; set aside.
Time: PT2M
Stir‑Fry Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in the wok over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir‑fry until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high
Set Chicken Aside
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT1M
Stir‑Fry Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the wok, then add the bell peppers, onion, and broccoli. Stir‑fry for 2‑4 minutes until crisp‑tender.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium-high
Combine Chicken, Veggies, and Sauce
Return the chicken to the wok, pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce, and stir. Slowly drizzle the cornstarch slurry while stirring; cook another 2‑3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Cook Udon Noodles
While the stir‑fry finishes, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the udon noodles, and cook according to package directions (usually 3‑4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: boiling
Plate and Garnish
Divide the cooked udon noodles among serving bowls, top with the teriyaki chicken and vegetables, drizzle any remaining sauce, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add an extra drizzle of Sriracha if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 32g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with tamari and gluten‑free noodles, Low‑fat if using minimal oil
Allergens: Soy, Wheat (udon noodles), Shellfish (oyster sauce), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Firm tofu (for vegetarian)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (use half amount)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced fresh onion (1 tsp)
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Sriracha: Chili garlic sauce
- Instead of White Pepper: Black pepper (slightly different flavor)
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Mushroom soy sauce (vegetarian)
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Zucchini
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Snow peas
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Udon Noodles: Soba noodles, Rice noodles (gluten‑free)
Equipment Needed
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Colander
- Small Saucepan
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Tenderizing chicken with baking soda for 15 minutes
- Ensuring the chicken is not overcooked during stir‑fry
- Keeping vegetables crisp‑tender
- Thickening the sauce with a proper cornstarch slurry
Chef Tips from the Video
- Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use a very hot wok to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan to bring out nutty flavor before sprinkling.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is tough or rubbery.
Ensure the baking soda tenderizing step is done and the chicken is sliced thinly; avoid over‑cooking in the wok.
Sauce is too thin.
Add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) and simmer until desired thickness.
Vegetables become soggy.
Stir‑fry on high heat for a short time and keep the wok moving; do not add extra water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat and add fresh vegetables when serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The baking‑soda tenderizing step can be done up to 2 hours ahead; keep the chicken covered in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of teriyaki chicken in Japanese cuisine?
Teriyaki originated in Japan as a cooking technique that uses a sweet soy‑based glaze. While the classic version uses fish, chicken teriyaki became popular post‑World War II and is now a staple in both home cooking and Japanese‑style restaurants worldwide.
What are the traditional regional variations of teriyaki chicken in Japan?
In Kansai, the sauce is often sweeter with more mirin, while in Kanto the flavor leans toward a saltier soy base. Some regions add ginger or sake, and Okinawan versions may include brown sugar and pineapple for a tropical twist.
How is teriyaki chicken traditionally served in Japan?
Traditionally, teriyaki chicken is served over steamed rice with a side of pickled vegetables (tsukemono). In modern izakayas it may appear on a bed of noodles or with a simple salad.
What occasions or celebrations feature teriyaki chicken in Japanese culture?
Teriyaki chicken is a popular everyday dish but also appears at family gatherings, bento boxes for school lunches, and casual celebrations such as hanami (cherry‑blossom viewing) picnics.
What makes this homemade teriyaki chicken stir‑fry special compared to typical take‑out versions?
The baking‑soda tenderizing step creates ultra‑soft chicken strips, and the sauce balances sweet, salty, and spicy notes with Sriracha and oyster sauce, giving depth that fast‑food kitchens rarely achieve.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making teriyaki chicken stir‑fry at home?
Common errors include skipping the baking‑soda tenderizer, overcrowding the wok which steams the chicken, and overcooking the vegetables so they lose their crunch. Follow the timing and high‑heat tips for best results.
Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of reducing the sauce longer?
A slurry thickens the sauce quickly without over‑reducing, preserving the bright flavors of garlic, Sriracha, and oyster sauce while keeping the glaze glossy and clingy on the noodles.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator; bring it to a gentle simmer before using to re‑incorporate any settled ingredients.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the teriyaki chicken is done?
The chicken should be golden‑brown on the outside, still juicy inside, and coated with a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that clings to each strip. The vegetables should be bright and still crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Sara - Nutrient Matters specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sara - Nutrient Matters focuses on nutrient‑dense, science‑backed recipes that balance flavor with health benefits, often highlighting cooking techniques that preserve vitamins and minerals.
How does the YouTube channel Sara - Nutrient Matters' approach to Japanese cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Sara - Nutrient Matters emphasizes the nutritional profile of each dish, offering substitutions for allergens and tips for retaining micronutrients, whereas many other channels prioritize taste alone.
Last updated: August 8, 2026








