1 tablespoon finely minced garlic

3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, or ½ cup regular soy sauce and 2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons canola or vegetable oil, plus oil for the baking sheet (optional)

3 tablespoons mirin (optional, see Notes)

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 pounds chicken tenders, or 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ½ inch wide strips, or 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into ½-inch slices

Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

Toasted sesame seeds (optional; see Notes)

Eighteen to twenty 8-inch wooden or metal skewers

 

Place the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oil, mirin, if using, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl or in a small container with a lid and stir well or shake to combine.  Pour the teriyaki marinade into a 1-quart heavy-duty zipper-top plastic bag or a larger plastic container with a lid. Add the chicken or steak and mix to coat well. Seal the bag or container and let the chicken or steak marinate in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours (the longer it marinates, the more pronounced the teriyaki flavor will be). You’ll want to flip the baggie or toss the meat in the container a couple of times during the marinating process so that it marinates evenly.  If you are using wooden skewers, at least 30 minutes before cooking soak them in water to cover in order to prevent them from burning. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.  Preheat the broiler (see Notes).  Remove the chicken or steak from the marinade, setting aside the marinade. Skewer 1 or 2 pieces of chicken or steak on each skewer lengthwise, threading them so they are on securely. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and broil until the teriyaki sauce turns a nice burnished color and the chicken is cooked through or the meat is cooked to your liking, 2 to 4 minutes on each side for chicken, another minute or 2 for medium steak.  Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the marinade simmer until it becomes slightly reduced and glazelike, about 4 minutes.  Serve the skewers on a platter sprinkled with the sesame seeds, if desired. Pass around the boiled marinade in a small pitcher or bowl for drizzling over the meat or whatever starch or veggies you are serving alongside.

 

Notes:  You can also grill these skewers on a charcoal or gas grill over high heat for 2 to 4 minutes per side.

Toasting Sesame Seeds: Heat a small skillet over medium heat (do not use a nonstick skillet for this). Add the sesame seeds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are aromatic and golden in color, 1 to 2 minutes. Watch the sesame seeds carefully and transfer them from the skillet to a heat-proof bowl the minute they start to color; they can burn very quickly.

Cooking Tip: If you want to use the teriyaki marinade as a sauce on the side, all you need to do is boil it for five minutes after you’ve removed the chicken, fish, or meat, and it will be safe to serve over rice or whatever else you like (if you’ve marinated tofu, this step is unnecessary). The boiled marinade will thicken and get a nice syrupy consistency.

 

from Mom 100 Cookbook

 

Yield:

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Fat:

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