Sweet & Savory Braised Chicken Drumettes
Sweet & Savory Braised Chicken Drumettes
Authentic Japanese Home-Style Braised Chicken Drumettes
I’m sharing a special chicken drumette dish passed down from my Japanese mother-in-law. This braised chicken drumette and daikon radish is a rare home-style Japanese dish that you won’t often find in restaurants. If you love Japanese cuisine, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this! It’s a harmonious blend of subtle sweetness and saltiness, perfect as a side dish for rice or as a snack. Let’s make this delicious braised chicken drumette together!
Main Ingredients- 300-400g Chicken drumettes
- 1/4 Daikon radish
- 1-2 tsp Ginger (minced or sliced)
- 4 Tbsp Ponzu sauce
- 1-2 tsp Cooking oil
- 200g Water (about 1 cup)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking sake (or mirin)
- 1-1.5 Tbsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the daikon radish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. It’s best to cut the daikon into about 2cm thick pieces. If it’s too thin, it might break apart during simmering, and if it’s too thick, the flavors will take longer to penetrate. Cutting it to the right thickness ensures the daikon absorbs the flavor well and has a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Heat 1-2 teaspoons of cooking oil in a frying pan and add the chicken drumettes. Turn the drumettes to brown all sides over medium heat. Lightly searing the surface helps to lock in the juices, resulting in more moist and flavorful braised chicken.
Step 3
Once the chicken drumettes are nicely browned, add 200g of water, 1-2 teaspoons of minced ginger, 1-1.5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cooking sake, and the cut daikon radish to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Covering the pot helps the ingredients absorb the sauce better and keeps them moist.
Step 4
After simmering for 15 minutes and when the daikon is partially cooked, add 4 tablespoons of ponzu sauce. The ponzu sauce adds umami and a tangy flavor, creating a richer taste. After adding the ponzu sauce, continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. It’s a good idea to check the tenderness of the daikon radish and adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you cut the daikon very thinly, it might be quite soft by now, so simmer until it reaches your desired texture.
Step 5
Your delicious braised chicken drumettes are ready! For an extra treat, you can add hard-boiled eggs and simmer them along with the chicken. If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing taste, consider adding a small amount of lemon or yuzu juice right before serving. This dish is perfect served with warm rice for a satisfying meal.
