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)
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