Shinshu Sanzoku-yaki
Shinshu sanzoku-yaki marinates a large intact chicken thigh or breast in garlic-soy seasoning, coats it with starch and deep-fries it. Despite yaki in the name, the representative...
At a glance
| Name | Shinshu Sanzoku-yaki (Sanzoku-yaki) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Nagano |
| Region | Chubu |
| Type | Large garlic-soy marinated chicken cutlet fried with starch |
What is it?
Shinshu sanzoku-yaki marinates a large intact chicken thigh or breast in garlic-soy seasoning, coats it with starch and deep-fries it. Despite yaki in the name, the representative Shiojiri-Matsumoto form is fried.
Shiojiri calls it a local dish born in the city, and a municipal guide says the couple behind the restaurant Ganso Sanzoku created both recipe and name about eighty years ago.
History and local context
A city recipe marinates chicken overnight with ginger, garlic, carrot, onion, apple, sake, sugar and soy, then coats it in potato and rice flours. Bone, cut, meat and garlic strength vary by shop.
The name is also explained through a pun on a bandit taking things and tori o ageru, frying chicken. Yamaguchi's charcoal-grilled bone-in sanzoku chicken is a different regional dish.
How to enjoy it
Cut the freshly fried piece and taste it before adding condiments, with cabbage, lemon and rice to balance the garlic-soy seasoning.
Cook poultry completely through the center. Refrigerate takeaway promptly and reheat it thoroughly.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shinshu Sanzoku-yaki from?
It is associated with Nagano, in the Chubu region of Japan.
What kind of food is Shinshu Sanzoku-yaki?
This guide classifies it as large garlic-soy marinated chicken cutlet fried with starch. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Shinshu Sanzoku-yaki online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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