Authentic Japanese Tebasaki (Nagoya Style Chicken Wings) Recipe

Ingredients

12 chicken wings
1 cup of soy sauce
1 cup of mirin
1/2 cup of sake
1/2 cup of sugar
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 piece of ginger, about 2 inches, crushed
1/2 cup of white sesame seeds, for garnishing
1 head of lettuce, shredded, for serving
1 cup of Japanese mayo, for dipping

Steps and instructions

Using a sharp knife, score the chicken wings in several places. This helps the marinade to penetrate more deeply. Place the wings in a bowl.
In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, crushed garlic and crushed ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the wings from the marinade, reserving the marinade for glazing.
Grill the chicken wings, turning frequently and brushing with the reserved marinade, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and caramelized.
In the meantime, toast the white sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside.
Arrange the shredded lettuce on a serving platter. Place the grilled chicken wings on top of the lettuce and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the tebasaki with Japanese mayo for dipping.

Tools for making

Sharp Knife - Required for scoring the chicken wings.
Saucepan - Used for simmering the marinade.
Grill - Needed to cook the chicken wings.
Brush - Used for brushing the wings with the reserved marinade while grilling.
Pan - Used to toast the white sesame seeds.
Serving Platter - For arranging and serving the tebasaki.

Recipe variations

Spicy Tebasaki: Add hot sauce or chili paste to the marinade for an extra kick.
Lemon Tebasaki: Add lemon zest and juice to the marinade for a tangy twist.
Honey Glazed Tebasaki: Replace the sugar in the marinade with honey for a sweet and sticky glaze.
Baked Tebasaki: Instead of grilling, bake the marinated wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Vegetarian Tebasaki: Substitute the chicken wings with firm tofu or tempeh and follow the same marinade and grilling instructions.
Gluten-Free Tebasaki: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Korean-style Tebasaki: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a Korean-inspired twist on Tebasaki.
Teriyaki Tebasaki: Replace the mirin and sake in the marinade with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Tebasaki, or Nagoya-style chicken wings, are a popular dish in Japan known for their sweet and sticky glaze. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of preparing these delicious wings, from marinating in a flavourful soy, mirin, and sake mixture, to grilling them perfectly. You'll also learn to make a side of crisp, shredded lettuce and a special Japanese mayo for dipping. The result is a feast for the senses - with a mouthwatering aroma, tantalizing taste, and a wonderful crunch from the wings and the lettuce. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner, or a standout dish at your next barbecue.

Common questions

Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of wings? Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken such as drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I bake the chicken wings instead of grilling them? Yes, you can bake the chicken wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until they are cooked through and caramelized.
Can I use a different type of sauce for glazing? While the traditional tebasaki sauce is used for glazing, you can experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or barbecue sauce if you prefer.
Can I make the tebasaki less spicy? If you prefer milder tebasaki, you can reduce or omit the amount of crushed garlic or ginger in the marinade.
Can I make tebasaki ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken wings ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Grill or bake them just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the chicken wings to perfection.
Sharp knife - You'll need a sharp knife for scoring the chicken wings before marinating.
Saucepan - A saucepan is needed for preparing the marinade.
Basting brush - Using a basting brush, you can brush the reserved marinade onto the wings while grilling.
Grilling tongs - Grilling tongs will help you flip the chicken wings on the grill without damaging them.
Pan - A pan is required for toasting the white sesame seeds.
Serving platter - A serving platter is needed for arranging the tebasaki and presenting it to your guests.
Japanese mayo - Japanese mayo is the preferred dipping sauce for tebasaki. Make sure to have it on hand for serving.

Origin stories

Tebasaki, the Japanese word for "chicken wings", hails from the Nagoya region of Japan, where it is a popular specialty. In contrast to the often messy affair of eating chicken wings in the west, the Japanese have developed an artful, two-step method to eating Tebasaki that leaves one hand clean for drinking. After being seasoned and grilled, the wings are traditionally served with a side of cabbage and enjoyed with a pint of beer. The crispy, salty wings and the chilled beer make a perfect pairing, providing a delightful gastronomic experience that is uniquely Japanese. A piece of trivia that might enhance your appreciation of this dish is that in Nagoya, these wings are often enjoyed at "nomi-hodai" or "all-you-can-drink" establishments, making them a beloved part of the local nightlife.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.