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Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe

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3.9 from 78 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 servings

Description

A classic Japanese street food featuring tender chicken thighs skewered with green onions, grilled to perfection, and glazed with a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. This simple yet flavorful yakitori recipe is perfect for casual gatherings or an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine at home.

Ingredients

Chicken and Skewers

  • 400 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 green onions, cut into pieces
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Yakitori Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sake (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This step ensures the skewers remain intact and safe to use.
  2. Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken thigh pieces alternately with green onion segments onto the skewers. Aim for even spacing to ensure uniform cooking.
  3. Make Yakitori Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat Grill: Prepare your grill (preferably charcoal for authentic flavor) by heating it to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally to cook evenly. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a slight char on the edges, approximately 10-15 minutes depending on heat intensity.
  6. Glaze and Finish: While grilling, brush the skewers generously with the prepared yakitori sauce multiple times, allowing the glaze to build up and caramelize on the chicken.
  7. Serve: Once fully cooked and glazed, remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness.
  • Grilling over charcoal imparts an authentic smoky flavor.
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
  • Adding sesame seeds as a garnish enhances presentation and adds subtle nuttiness.
  • Sake is optional but contributes depth to the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Find it online: https://cookingmomy.com/japanese-chicken-yakitori-recipe/