Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful snack or appetizer? Look no further! These teriyaki snack sticks are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering. They're surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, yet deliver a burst of savory-sweet goodness that will have everyone asking for more. Forget store-bought snacks – this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and completely customizable to your liking! Get ready to elevate your snack game with this incredibly addictive recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of your favorite sausage (chicken, turkey, pork, or beef – mild Italian sausage works great!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds a nice aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. This creates the delicious teriyaki sauce that will coat and flavor your snack sticks.
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Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing if necessary. For easier handling, you can gently roll the sausage into a log shape before slicing. Cut the sausage into 1-inch thick pieces.
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Assemble the Snack Sticks: Thread the sausage pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. Aim for approximately 4-5 sausage pieces per skewer, depending on the size.
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Marinate (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, place the assembled snack sticks in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the teriyaki glaze over them, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the sausage to absorb the flavors fully.
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Cook the Snack Sticks: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the snack sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the glaze is slightly caramelized. You can also grill these over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Customize your glaze: Feel free to experiment with different types of honey (like buckwheat or wildflower) or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve these teriyaki snack sticks with a side of rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of sausage used. The values provided are estimates for chicken sausage. Please consult a nutrition calculator for precise data based on your ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
These teriyaki snack sticks are a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe book. Enjoy!