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Yakitori Recipe

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans

Description

Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish featuring juicy, grilled chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and savory tare sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, these skewers are packed with umami and can be made on a grill or stovetop!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Yakitori:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 23 green onions (scallions), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1012 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • For the Tare Sauce (Yakitori Glaze):
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • For Garnish (Optional):
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Shichimi togarashi (Japanese chili flakes)

Instructions

  • 1. Prepare the Tare Sauce
  • In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • 2. Prepare the Skewers
  • Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with green onion pieces.
  • Lightly brush the skewers with tare sauce.
  • 3. Grill the Yakitori
  • Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with tare sauce.
  • Stovetop method: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with tare sauce as they cook.
  • 4. Caramelize & Serve
  • In the last 2 minutes of cooking, baste the skewers generously with tare sauce and allow them to caramelize slightly.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions (optional).
  • 5. Serve & Enjoy
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, miso soup, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Tare Sauce Shortcut: Use store-bought teriyaki sauce if you’re in a rush.
  • Make it Crispier: Grill over charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet.
  • Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
  • Calories: ~250
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Carbs: ~10g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Sodium: ~700mg

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~250
  • Sodium: ~700mg
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Protein: ~25g