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
2–3 green onions (scallions), cut into 1-inch pieces
10–12 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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