Delicious and Heartwarming Hot Pad Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of rice
2 cups of water
1 teaspoon of cooking oil
1 pound of boneless chicken
1/2 cup of soy sauce
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of chopped green onions
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice to become more fluffy.
Combine the rice and 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the boneless chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and stir to coat. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Serve the chicken over the cooked rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

Pot - For cooking the rice.
Skillet - To cook the chicken.
Small bowl - To mix the sauce ingredients.
Spatula - To stir and flip the chicken.
Knife - For mincing the garlic and chopping the green onions.
Cutting board - To safely cut the ingredients.
Measuring cup - To measure the rice, water, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Measuring spoon - For precise measurement of cooking oil, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and ground black pepper.
Stove - To cook the rice and chicken.
Serving dish - To present and serve the finished dish.

Recipe variations

Replace the boneless chicken with tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the skillet along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the soy sauce mixture.
Try using different types of rice, such as jasmine rice or brown rice, for a different texture and flavor.
Experiment with different marinades or sauces, such as teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce, to customize the flavor of the dish.
Add a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar to the soy sauce mixture for a tangy twist.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Replace the sesame seeds with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Consider adding pineapple chunks or mango slices to give the dish a tropical flavor.
For a heartier meal, serve the chicken and rice over a bed of steamed vegetables or stir-fried noodles.

Recipe overview

This mouthwatering Hot Pad recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings together the comforting flavour of perfectly cooked rice with succulent, seasoned chicken. The recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into a satisfying meal that's sure to impress. The chicken is stir-fried until golden and then draped in a rich, homemade soy sauce mixture that's sweet, savory, and garlicky. The dish is then served over fluffy rice, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This recipe is not only straightforward to follow but also offers a great way to bring a taste of Asian cuisine to your dinner table. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
Can I use another type of meat? Certainly! You can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu to suit your preference.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce? If you have a soy allergy or prefer not to use soy sauce, you can try using tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian/vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein alternative, and using a vegan-friendly sauce.
How can I make it spicier? To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced chili peppers to the sauce according to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rice and chicken separately in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and combine it with freshly cooked rice.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or stovetop before enjoying.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken.
Pot - A pot is required to cook the rice.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
Spatula - A spatula is helpful for flipping and stirring the chicken.
Measuring Cup - A measuring cup is required to measure the rice, water, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Knife - A knife is needed to mince the garlic, chop the green onions, and slice the chicken.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for cutting the chicken and chopping the green onions.
Spoon - A spoon is helpful for stirring the rice and sauce.

Origin stories

This dish, often known as Teriyaki Chicken, has its roots in Japanese cuisine, but the version most people are familiar with actually evolved in Hawaii! Japanese immigrants brought their teriyaki method of cooking to Hawaii with them, but as they began to incorporate local ingredients, a new, unique style of teriyaki was born. The sauce used in this recipe, made with soy sauce, sugar, and ginger, is a hallmark of this Hawaiian adaptation. So, even though the dish's name is Japanese, meaning "glossy grilled," the sweet and tangy chicken dish we all love is a tasty testament to the blend of cultures in Hawaii.

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.