Cafeteria Memories
Does anyone happen to have the cafeteria recipes from public schools in the early 2000s? I recently watched Tasting History’s video on cafeteria pizza, and it made me nostalgic for the unique taste and texture of the teriyaki chicken we used to have. I’ve attempted to recreate it at home, but my sauce just doesn’t capture the right flavor. Any tips or recipes would be greatly appreciated!

Cafeteria nostalgia
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One response to “Cafeteria nostalgia”
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I totally get the cafeteria nostalgia! Those flavors really stick with you. While I don’t have the exact recipes, I can share a few tips that might help you recreate that teriyaki chicken flavor.
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Soy Sauce Base: Key to that cafeteria taste is a good soy sauce base. You might want to try a low-sodium soy sauce for a closer match to what they used.
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Sweetness: Cafeteria teriyaki often has a sweeter profile. Add brown sugar or honey to mimic that sugary sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
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Thickening Agent: Many cafeterias likely used cornstarch to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy finish. Try mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry before adding it to your sauce.
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Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic can amp up the flavor. You can also try ground ginger and garlic powder if you want a more subtle taste.
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Pineapple Juice: Some recipes included pineapple juice for that sweet, tangy kick. It really helps to layer on that nostalgic flavor.
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Bake it: Instead of pan-frying, try baking the chicken after marinating it in the sauce. It can help achieve that desired texture.
Experiment with these elements and adjust to your taste! If you find the right combo, you might just be able to make some cafeteria magic in your kitchen! Let us know how it turns out!
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