Cheese And Teriyaki: A Match Made In Heaven?

is cheese good with teriyaki

Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors. It is often served as a sandwich, quesadilla, or grilled cheese. While some people may be hesitant to pair cheese with teriyaki, it can actually create an explosion of flavors that take the dish to the next level. The key is to find the right type of cheese that complements the unique taste of teriyaki. So, is cheese good with teriyaki? Let's explore the possibilities and decide for ourselves.

Characteristics Values
Cheese that goes well with teriyaki chicken Pepper jack cheese, chedder cheese, colby jack cheese, monterey jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, Cotija cheese
Type of dish Grilled cheese sandwich, quesadilla, burrito, chicken sandwich
Other ingredients Bread, tortilla, chicken, avocado, honey, lime, Greek yogurt, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce

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Teriyaki chicken grilled cheese

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Honey
  • Bread
  • Butter
  • Pepper Jack Cheese

Method

Lay the chicken breasts in a glass baking dish. Mix teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey, and pour the mixture over the chicken. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the juices run clear. Shred the chicken using two forks and let it soak up the sauce. Butter the bread slices and lay them on a griddle over medium heat. Top each slice with pepper jack cheese and shredded chicken. Butter the other four slices and place them on top. Flip the sandwich once the cheese starts to melt and the bread turns golden brown, after about 3-5 minutes. Grill the other side for another 3-5 minutes and serve hot.

Variations

You can add grilled pineapple slices, mayonnaise, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion rings, and avocado spread to your sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Monterrey, Gruyere, or Havarti.

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Teriyaki chicken quesadilla

The Teriyaki Chicken Quesadilla is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of Japanese teriyaki sauce with the comforting embrace of a Mexican classic. This fusion of flavours creates a symphony of sensations that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts
  • Vegetable oil
  • Flour tortillas
  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Bell pepper slices
  • Red onion
  • Teriyaki sauce

Method

  • Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
  • Spread shredded cheese on one half of a flour tortilla and place it in the skillet.
  • Add the cooked chicken, bell pepper slices, and red onion on top of the cheese.
  • Pour teriyaki sauce over the fillings.
  • Sprinkle a little more cheese and place on the pan.
  • Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling, and press it gently with a spatula.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
  • Flip carefully using a large spatula to ensure the quesadilla stays intact.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy exterior, melted cheese, and flavorful fillings at their best!

Tips

  • Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure a well-balanced distribution of flavours and to prevent the quesadilla from becoming too dense or unevenly cooked.
  • Use a non-stick pan or griddle to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent sticking.
  • Cook on medium heat to allow the tortilla to crisp up without burning, and give the cheese enough time to melt and bind the ingredients together.
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Teriyaki chicken sandwich

Firstly, prepare your chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are the best cuts to use. If you opt for chicken breasts, you may need to pound the meat with a mallet to ensure an even thickness and reduce cooking time. Place the chicken in a resealable bag with teriyaki sauce and leave to marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.

Next, grill your chicken. You can either fry the chicken in a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil for approximately 6 minutes on medium-high heat or grill the chicken over direct heat on a clean, oiled grate for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown with a slight char. Once both sides are seared, move the chicken to the cooler, indirect side of the grill.

Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. If you're using a baguette, you may want to heat it in the oven for two minutes to make it crispy. Spread aioli or mayonnaise on the top half of the bun, and add lettuce, red onion, and other vegetables of your choice to the bottom half. You can also add grilled pineapple rings for a sweet contrast to the savoury chicken.

Finally, add the cheese. Swiss cheese is a surprisingly good pairing with teriyaki sauce. Place a slice on top of the chicken and let it melt before placing the top half of the bun on the sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy!

There are endless ways to customise your teriyaki chicken sandwich. You can make your own teriyaki sauce by whisking together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small saucepan. You can also add seaweed, wasabi mayonnaise, or other sauces to your sandwich for an extra kick of flavour.

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Best cheeses for teriyaki chicken sandwiches

Teriyaki chicken sandwiches are a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours. The right cheese can complement the teriyaki sauce and enhance the overall taste experience. Here are some of the best cheeses to consider for your next teriyaki chicken sandwich creation:

Provolone or Swiss Cheese

If you're looking for a more neutral option that won't overpower the other flavours in your sandwich, Provolone or Swiss cheese are excellent choices. They have mild, creamy flavours that provide a nice backdrop for the teriyaki sauce to shine. These cheeses are versatile and pair well with a variety of ingredients, making them a safe bet for a crowd-pleasing sandwich.

Pepper Jack Cheese

For those who enjoy a little kick, Pepper Jack cheese is a fantastic option. It adds a spicy, pungent twist to the sandwich, creating an exciting contrast with the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. The heat from the pepper blends beautifully with the savoury notes of the chicken and the tanginess of other toppings like red onions and tomatoes.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese, often referred to as the "Parmesan of Mexico," is a salty and savoury cheese that can add a unique flavour profile to your teriyaki chicken sandwich. When combined with ingredients like avocado, honey, lime, and spices, it creates a creamy and addictive spread that perfectly complements the sandwich. The saltiness of Cotija also helps to balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce and any additional toppings like pineapple.

Habanero Jack Cheese

If you're feeling adventurous and want to turn up the heat, Habanero Jack cheese is a bold choice. Its spicy and pungent flavour will be a prominent feature of your sandwich, providing a memorable kick to each bite. This option is perfect for those who crave a more intense flavour experience and enjoy the interplay of spicy cheese with the sweetness of teriyaki.

When crafting your teriyaki chicken sandwich, feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to find your perfect combination. Remember, the key is to balance the sweet and savoury elements, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that delights your taste buds.

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Teriyaki chicken with avocado spread

Teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, quesadillas, or on its own. For a unique and mouthwatering experience, try pairing it with an avocado spread. Here's a recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches with Honey Cotija Avocado Spread that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more:

Ingredients:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Honey teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Honey
  • Lime
  • Cotija cheese
  • Avocado
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Buns or bread
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onions
  • Lettuce

Instructions:

  • Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. The breasts should be slightly larger than your buns.
  • Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey teriyaki sauce, honey, and other desired seasonings.
  • Place the chicken in a freezer bag and add the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
  • Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375-450°F.
  • Grease the grill and place the chicken on it. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
  • While the chicken is grilling, prepare the Honey Cotija Avocado Spread by mixing mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  • Toast the buns or bread until golden.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, assemble the sandwiches. Spread the Honey Cotija Avocado Spread on the buns, then add the chicken, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.
  • Drizzle honey teriyaki sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
  • Serve and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy avocado spread!

For a twist on this recipe, you can also turn it into a quesadilla by replacing the buns with tortillas and adding cheese to the filling. Grill the quesadilla on a skillet or panini press until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

Grilled cheese sandwiches with teriyaki chicken are also a popular option, where shredded chicken is mixed with cheese and grilled between buttered slices of bread. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, colby jack, or mozzarella, to find your favorite pairing with teriyaki. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of teriyaki chicken complemented by the creaminess of avocado and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of cheese!

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Frequently asked questions

Teriyaki is a tangy sauce that is usually paired with chicken.

Cheddar, colby jack, monterey jack, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheese are some options that go well with teriyaki.

Some popular dishes include teriyaki chicken quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers.

Grill the chicken and pineapple separately, then assemble the quesadilla with cheese, and other desired toppings, and grill until the cheese is melted.

Honey, lime, avocado, Greek yogurt, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper are some toppings that can enhance the flavor profile of a teriyaki and cheese dish.

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