Savory and Sweet Soy-Braised Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
How to Make Delicious Soy-Braised Chicken Drumsticks at Home
Chicken drumsticks are a family favorite! Today, we’re making ‘Soy-Braised Chicken Drumsticks’ with a perfectly balanced savory and sweet soy sauce glaze that everyone will love. Unlike dry chicken breast, these tender drumsticks are a must-try for any drumstick enthusiast. This dish is perfect as a side dish for rice or as a savory snack with drinks. Complete your delicious meal with this fantastic recipe!
Main Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 1L water
- 2 bay leaves
Chicken Drumstick Seasoning
- 5 Tbsp cooking wine (e.g., Mirin)
- Pinch of black pepper
Flavorful Glaze
- 10 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 6 Tbsp cooking sake (or dry sherry)
- 10 Tbsp water
- 6 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/honey)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 5 Tbsp cooking wine (e.g., Mirin)
- Pinch of black pepper
Flavorful Glaze
- 10 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 6 Tbsp cooking sake (or dry sherry)
- 10 Tbsp water
- 6 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/honey)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Place the chicken drumsticks on a kitchen towel and gently pat them dry to remove any surface blood. Removing blood thoroughly is key to a clean, delicious flavor without any gamey notes.
Step 2
Make 2-3 shallow cuts on both sides of each drumstick. This scoring allows the sauce to penetrate deeply, ensuring the drumsticks are extra tender and flavorful.
Step 3
Drizzle 5 tablespoons of cooking wine evenly over the scored drumsticks.
Step 4
Sprinkle with black pepper and let them sit for a while to marinate. This step helps to effectively remove any potential gamey odors from the chicken.
Step 5
Meanwhile, bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot. This will be used to blanch the chicken drumsticks.
Step 6
In a bowl, combine 10 tablespoons of soy sauce for the glaze.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 8
Stir in 6 tablespoons of cooking sake (or dry sherry).
Step 9
Add 10 tablespoons of water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Step 10
For a touch of sweetness, add 6 tablespoons of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/honey).
Step 11
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil (or sesame oil) for a nutty aroma. Whisk everything together until well combined to create your perfect savory and sweet glaze.
Step 12
Once the water is boiling, add 2 bay leaves to infuse the water with their aroma.
Step 13
Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the boiling water and blanch them for about 10 minutes. This process helps to remove impurities and tenderize the meat.
Step 14
Remove the blanched drumsticks from the hot water and rinse them under warm water to wash away any residue.
Step 15
Pat the drumsticks thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel, pressing firmly. Removing excess moisture is crucial to prevent oil splattering when frying and to achieve a crispier exterior.
Step 16
Heat a generous amount of grapeseed oil in a deep, non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the dried drumsticks.
Step 17
Fry the drumsticks until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Turning them regularly will ensure even cooking.
Step 18
Pour the prepared soy sauce glaze evenly over the browned drumsticks.
Step 19
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, turning the drumsticks occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the drumsticks beautifully. Your delicious soy-braised chicken drumsticks are ready!
Step 20
Voila! The finished soy-braised chicken drumsticks have a truly mouthwatering appearance.
Step 21
This dish is so satisfying because both kids absolutely loved it! It’s a hit with the whole family.
Step 22
May your table be filled with happy and delicious meals today. Enjoy your cooking!
