If you’ve ever walked through a bustling mall food court, the unmistakable aroma of sizzling teriyaki from Sarku Japan is hard to resist. Known for its juicy grilled chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this popular chain has built a loyal fan base with its irresistible flavor. Now, you can recreate that same mouthwatering experience right at home with this easy, homemade Sarku Japan chicken teriyaki recipe.
Homemade Mall Sarku Japan Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcalHomemade Mall Sarku Japan Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped
Directions
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and water (cornstarch to thicken). Add this mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce, stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them in the teriyaki sauce, spooning sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors.
- Once the chicken is coated and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Serve the chicken over rice or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions
To keep the meal authentic, serve your homemade chicken teriyaki over a generous bed of steamed white rice, just like they do at the mall. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables—think cabbage, carrots, and broccoli—for color, crunch, and extra nutrients. For a full bento box-style experience, pair it with a side of miso soup or even a small portion of pickled cucumbers to balance out the richness of the sauce.
You can also turn this dish into a delicious wrap or rice bowl with fresh greens, avocado, and sesame seeds for a modern twist.
Savings Suggestions
One of the biggest perks of making this recipe at home is the cost savings. A single Sarku Japan chicken teriyaki meal can cost $10–$12 or more at the mall, while this homemade version can be made for a fraction of that price—often under $3 per serving. Buying chicken in bulk, using pantry staples like soy sauce and sugar, and making your own sauce from scratch can help stretch your grocery budget further without sacrificing taste.
Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy weekday lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Q: What kind of chicken should I use for the best results?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe—they’re juicy, flavorful, and stay tender during high-heat cooking, just like the mall version.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir or shake before using.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not by default, since traditional soy sauce contains wheat. However, you can substitute with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I cook this in an air fryer or oven instead of a pan?
A: While a hot skillet gives you the best caramelization, you can air fry or bake the chicken. Just make sure to brush on the sauce near the end to prevent burning.
Q: How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
A: A cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) can be added to the sauce while it simmers to achieve that thick, glossy texture typical of Sarku Japan’s version.
