Yodare-dori (Mouth-Watering Chicken)

Steps

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1. 1
   Prick the chicken thigh all over with a fork, then thoroughly rub in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Add the sake and ginger, mixing well to distribute the flavors evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature (15 minutes is fine in hot weather).
   ▶ ≈2:39
2. 2
   Finely chop the long green onion into small pieces and place in a bowl.
   ▶ ≈4:06
3. 3
   Mix the vinegar with the chicken stock powder, then microwave at 600W for 20 seconds to dissolve the stock powder and mellow the vinegar's sharp taste. Pour this warm mixture into the bowl with the chopped green onion.
   ▶ ≈4:20
4. 4
   Add soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and chili oil to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
   ▶ ≈4:53
5. 5
   Trim both ends of the cucumber and rub the cut ends together to remove bitterness. Rinse, then cut into thin julienne strips about 5mm wide. Pat dry with paper towels and refrigerate until needed.
   ▶ ≈5:30
6. 6
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place it skin-side down on a microwave-safe plate, loosely cover with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes with a toothpick. Microwave at 600W for 2 minutes 30 seconds.
   ▶ ≈6:39
7. 7
   Flip the chicken over so the skin faces up. Re-cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 600W for another 2 minutes. (For 500W, add an extra 10–20 seconds.)
   ▶ ≈7:08
8. 8
   Remove the plastic wrap and let the chicken cool slightly. Add about 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid from the chicken to the chilled sauce and mix well. Transfer the chicken to a container, cover, and refrigerate for about 1 hour until completely chilled.
   ▶ ≈7:44
9. 9
   Once thoroughly chilled, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the julienned cucumber on a plate, layer the chicken on top, and pour the sauce generously over everything. Sprinkle with extra chopped green onion for color and serve.
   ▶ ≈8:56