Description
There’s something deeply comforting about the sizzle of skewered meat on a hot grill. It stirs up memories of summer festivals in Japan, where streets come alive with laughter, glowing lanterns, and the irresistible aroma of Japanese Chicken Yakitori wafting through the air. The word “yakitori” simply means “grilled chicken,” but the dish itself is far more than that—it’s a beloved staple of izakayas (Japanese pubs), street vendors, and backyard cookouts alike.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup mirin
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¼ cup sake (or substitute with low-sodium chicken broth)
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
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Optional: chopped scallions or vegetables for skewering
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tare Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (or chicken broth), brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. If you’re using scallions or vegetables, alternate them with the chicken for variety and color.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for about 3–4 minutes per side. During the last few minutes of cooking, begin basting with the tare sauce, turning and brushing frequently to build up a shiny, caramelized glaze.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely glazed, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra tare sauce if desired and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice or as part of a larger Japanese meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, try substituting the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms.
- The tare sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week—perfect for your next grilling night.
Nutrition
- Calories: 110