Step 1

First, remove the skin from the 8 chicken drumsticks. Make 2-3 small slits on the ankle joint. Then, gently separate the meat from the bone near the slits, pushing the meat down and around the bone to form a rounded, drumstick-like shape, similar to flipping a skirt. This helps the glaze penetrate evenly and makes them easier to eat.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared chicken drumsticks to the pot.

Step 3

After adding the drumsticks, bring the water back to a boil. Skim off any white foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This step ensures a cleaner taste and removes any unwanted odors from the chicken.

Step 4

Remove the chicken drumsticks from the boiling water and place them in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any remaining impurities and to cool them down slightly.

Step 5

[Making the Delicious Soy Glaze] In a bowl, combine 6 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp ketchup, a little ginger juice (if you don’t have it, you can omit it), and 1 cup of water. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved to create the glaze. The ketchup adds a subtle umami flavor and a lovely color.

Step 6

Place the rinsed chicken drumsticks back into the pot. Pour all of the prepared soy glaze over the drumsticks. Gently toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze.

Step 7

Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the glaze is bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Keep the lid off and let the drumsticks simmer and reduce the sauce, cooking them until the glaze thickens. Turning the drumsticks occasionally will help them cook evenly and absorb the glaze better.

Step 8

Continue to simmer until the soy glaze has beautifully coated the chicken drumsticks and most of the liquid has reduced, leaving a thick, syrupy glaze at the bottom of the pot. This process should take about 20 minutes over medium heat. Be careful not to let it burn; adjust the heat as needed. The glaze should be nice and sticky when it’s done.

Step 9

Finally, add the 5 stalks of thinly sliced green onions over the drumsticks and stir gently to incorporate their fresh flavor. The freshness of the green onions will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step 10

To make them easier to handle while eating, wrap aluminum foil around the bone handle of each drumstick. This keeps your fingers clean and makes them look more appealing. Arrange the finished drumsticks neatly on a serving plate.

Step 11

Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for an extra nutty flavor and visual appeal. The sesame seeds add a wonderful contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.

Step 12

Now you’re all set to enjoy a movie with these delicious soy-glazed chicken drumsticks! They pair perfectly with a cold drink or beer, so have a wonderful time!