Description
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is a delightful dish consisting of grilled chicken skewers, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, charred scallions, and a glossy tare sauce creates a treat that’s both tangy and slightly sweet.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts cut into 1-inch pieces
- Vegetable oil for brushing the grill
- Toasted sesame seeds and shichimi togarashi for garnish (optional)
- 10 to 12 bamboo skewers
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, sake, and granulated sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy—that’s your cue!
3. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Reserve 1/4 cup in a separate small bowl for basting at the end.
4. Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
5. Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of chicken and scallions until each skewer has 4 pieces of chicken and 3 pieces of scallion.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes and brush with vegetable oil.
7. Grill the skewers for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally. After the first 4 minutes, baste each skewer with tare sauce after every turn.
8. Continue grilling for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Notes
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Consider serving it with a light cucumber salad, steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or miso soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Japanese
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg