Instant Pot® Hawaii-Style Shoyu Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This recipe yields 6 servings of tender, flavorful chicken drumsticks coated in a rich soy sauce glaze. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, its easy to prepare and perfect for those who love savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Lets get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy sauce
• cup water
• cup brown sugar
• cup honey
• 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pounds chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon potato starch

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, cup of water, brown sugar, honey, mirin, ground ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and set aside. This will be your sauce.
2. Place the chicken drumsticks into a multi-functional pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Select the "High Pressure" setting, and set the timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
4. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure using the natural-release method, which will take about 10 to 20 minutes. Carefully open the lid and remove the drumsticks. Set them aside on a plate.
5. Switch the pressure cooker to the "Saut" function. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cold water and potato starch to create a thick slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the boiling sauce, and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Return the drumsticks to the sauce and toss to coat them with the thickened glaze. Serve hot with the sauce on top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	302
Total Fat	6g (8%)
Saturated Fat	2g (8%)
Cholesterol	71mg (24%)
Sodium	2485mg (108%)
Total Carbohydrate	36g (13%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1%)
Total Sugars	32g
Protein	25g (49%)
Vitamin C	0mg (0%)
Calcium	37mg (3%)
Iron	2mg (12%)
Potassium	323mg (7%)

Description: Shoyu chicken drumsticks is a very Hawaiian dish that is very easy to make in the Instant Pot. Make sure you serve it with rice as the sauce tastes fantastic over it.

Origin and History

The dish of shoyu chicken has deep roots in Hawaii, with influences from Japanese immigrants who brought soy sauce (shoyu) with them. It is a common dish in Hawaiian plate lunches, a traditional meal often consisting of protein, rice, and a side of salad. Shoyu chicken is a simple, yet flavorful dish that showcases the sweet and salty balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and mirin. Over time, the recipe has become a staple in Hawaiian homes and restaurants alike.

Regional Variations

In Hawaii, shoyu chicken is a versatile dish, with many variations based on personal preferences. Some families add ginger, garlic, and even chili flakes to introduce heat and additional layers of flavor. While the classic recipe involves simmering chicken in the soy sauce-based marinade, variations might include using different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or wings, and adjusting the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce. In some cases, vegetables such as onions and carrots are included to enhance the dish's texture and flavor profile.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Shoyu chicken is often compared to other soy sauce-based chicken dishes, such as teriyaki chicken or Chinese soy sauce chicken. However, shoyu chicken differs in that it is typically marinated in a sweet-salty mixture and then simmered to create a savory glaze, rather than being grilled or broiled like teriyaki chicken. Additionally, shoyu chicken tends to have a more mellow sweetness and less of the tangy richness found in teriyaki sauce. The use of mirin, a sweet Japanese rice wine, also differentiates this dish from others in the soy sauce family.

Where its Usually Served

Shoyu chicken is a common feature at Hawaiian plate lunch spots and home cookouts. It is frequently served as part of a casual meal alongside steamed rice and macaroni salad. Whether at a family barbecue or a local diner in Hawaii, it remains a beloved dish. It's also often found at Hawaiian-themed restaurants across the mainland U.S., particularly in areas with significant Hawaiian or Pacific Islander populations. Due to its comforting flavors, it is also a popular choice for potlucks and community gatherings.

Interesting Facts

• Hawaiian plate lunches, which feature shoyu chicken, are often considered the island's unofficial national dish, reflecting the multicultural influences of the islands.
• The word "shoyu" means soy sauce in Japanese, and it is a key ingredient in many traditional Hawaiian dishes that were adapted by Japanese immigrants.
• Shoyu chicken is typically made with chicken drumsticks, but it can also be made with thighs or even whole chicken pieces, depending on preference.
• The recipe's simplicity and the use of a pressure cooker (like the Instant Pot) make this dish easy to prepare and ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal.

FAQ about Instant Pot® Hawaii-Style Shoyu Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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