In 2025, Japan is embracing a delicious trend that’s sweeping kitchens and social media alike — the rise of “Mūchū 〇〇”, which roughly translates to “Addicted to ___” or “Infinite Marinade.”
Originally applied to simple vegetable pickles, the trend has evolved into protein-packed versions like Mūchū Chicken (夢中鶏) — juicy chicken thigh served with a rich, sweet-savory scallion-garlic sauce.
What Is “Mūchū 〇〇”?
“Mūchū” (夢中) means being deeply absorbed in something. In food, it’s about dishes so flavorful and satisfying that you can’t stop eating them — the kind that goes viral in seconds and vanishes from your plate even faster.
Featured Recipe: Mūchū Chicken (夢中鶏)
A quick-seared chicken thigh drenched in a bold scallion sauce that blends soy, sugar, garlic, sesame, and chili — this dish is addictive and meal-prep friendly.
🎥 Watch the short recipe video here:
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the chicken:
- 1 chicken thigh (approx. 300 g)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 tbsp potato starch (katakuriko)
- ½ tbsp salad oil
For the scallion garlic sauce:
- ½ long green onion (about 80 g), finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, halved and cored
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 100 ml water
- A pinch of chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep: Finely chop the green onion. Cut garlic clove in half lengthwise and remove the core.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken. Lightly coat with potato starch.
- Cook chicken: In a frying pan over medium-low heat, add salad oil, garlic, and chicken skin-side down. Press gently and cook for about 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook through. Turn garlic to prevent burning (you can rest it on the chicken if needed).
- Slice: Remove the chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, and place on a serving plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add sugar, soy sauce, water, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer. Add green onions and sesame seeds, then mash the cooked garlic into the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Finish: Pour the hot scallion sauce generously over the chicken. Serve immediately.
Why It’s a Hit
- Glossy and rich: The sauce is shiny, aromatic, and clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Layered flavor: Sweetness from sugar, umami from soy, and a hint of spice keep every bite interesting.
- Quick and powerful: Minimal effort for a powerful payoff — great for lunch or dinner.
Remix It
Try the same method with:
- Pork loin
- Grilled tofu
- Roasted eggplant
The sauce works like magic on almost anything.
Ready to fall in love with Mūchū Chicken? This dish is guaranteed to become your next cooking obsession.
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