A simple grilled-market sausage finished with a glossy sweet soy glaze.
The Story
Across rural Gunma, farmers’ markets and roadside stands sell foods made to be eaten simply and immediately, alongside the produce of the surrounding countryside. Grilled sausage brushed with a sweet soy glaze is the kind of uncomplicated market food meant to be eaten hot from the grill. This recipe recreates a version found at a farmers’ market in Gunma.
Sausage
Ingredients
- 4–6 good-quality sausages
- Bratwurst, kielbasa, or coarse juicy sausage; arabiki sausage if available
Instructions
- Pat the sausages dry and, if desired, score them lightly.
- Cook slowly over medium heat in a pan or on a grill until browned and heated through, allowing a little char to develop.
Soy Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sake or water
- Optional: a little garlic or ginger
- Optional: a very small splash sesame oil
Instructions
- Combine the glaze ingredients in a small pan.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the sausages to the pan, or brush them while grilling, and turn repeatedly for 30–60 seconds until sticky, lightly caramelized, and glossy.
- Serve on skewers or on a plate.