We used to host International students...

...young people who stayed in our home while they studied - usually English Language, sometimes a university course of some sort. Most, but not all of these kids were Japanese. I wanted to try making food with Japanese flavours and this is the first dish I tried. Kyo ate it silently and I was quite nervous. She finished, then said "We usually make this dish with pork. This is the best thing I have ever eaten." Success!!

Red Miso and Ginger Crusted Chicken (or Pork)

4 tbsp Aka (red miso paste) - the world will not stop if you use white miso paste instead
3 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp sake
1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs - cut into bite-size strips

Pre-heat the oven to 200c

In a bowl, whisk together the miso paste, sesame seeds, sugar, mirin, sake and ginger.



If you're feeling lazy, just use whole chicken pieces

 Add the chicken strips and stir to coat.
Spread the chicken strips over a lined baking tray.
Bake about 15 minutes until golden and cooked.

This is just as good if you make it with pork instead - you just need to cook it a little longer.
Serve it with pickled ginger. Cucumber is really good with it too.