Chicken Breast Chashu

The moment you slice into this Chicken Breast Chashu and see how juicy it is, you'll forget everything you thought you knew about chicken breast. Lean and meaty, yet tender and moist, this lighter take on the classic Japanese ramen topping is the perfect partner for my shoyu ramen recipe.

The key is a three-day cure in a brine made with mirin, soy sauce, and sake. This seasons the chicken all the way through while drawing out excess water. It also breaks down proteins like actin and myosin, which helps tenderize the meat. Once cured, a low-and-slow sous vide bath at 143°F (62°C) lets the meat retain its juices while firming it up just enough for clean slicing and a satisfying bite.

You might be wondering about food safety at that temperature, especially when the USDA recommends 165°F. But it's not just about hitting a peak temp—it's about time and temperature. 

At 165°F, chicken is pasteurized almost instantly, which is why it's the go-to guideline. The downside is that at that temperature, muscle fibers in lean cuts like chicken breasts contract and squeeze out their juices. By holding the meat at 143°F for a longer period, you can make it just as safe while preserving moisture and texture.

By the way, to make this chashu recipe, I tested a range of temperatures, and at 140°F, the texture veers uncomfortably close to raw, while at 145°F, it's more like poached chicken, which defeats the purpose of sous vide. I like to let it go for 2½ to 3 hours, which ensures it's fully pasteurized without over-tenderizing it.

When buying mirin, check the label and steer clear of bottles containing salt, corn syrup, or flavor enhancers like MSG.Real brewed mirin should list only rice, koji, water, and possibly brewer's alcohol, and it should have a bronze hue. If you can't find the real deal, just double the sake and add three tablespoons of sugar as a sub.

By the way, this Chicken Breast Chashu isn't just for ramen. It's great in sandwiches, tossed into a chicken salad, or served over a bowl of rice with a drizzle of juices from the bag.