Vegan Chicken Yakitori
Experience the irresistible flavors of this Vegan Chicken Yakitori, a plant-based twist on the classic Japanese street food. Made with protein-rich extra-firm tofu, this recipe captures the smoky-sweet umami of traditional yakitori through a bold marinade featuring soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Grilled to perfection on skewers alongside tender-crisp scallions, each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Easy to make in just 40 minutes, this dish is ideal as a stunning appetizer or a satisfying main course when paired with steamed rice and vegetables. Whether you’re vegan or simply craving a healthy, meat-free alternative, this Vegan Chicken Yakitori is sure to become a new favorite. Perfect for weeknight grilling or special gatherings, it’s a flavorful, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 block (about 14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (grated) ginger
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 whole (cut into 2-inch pieces) scallions
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 8 pieces (soaked in water if wooden) skewers
Instructions
Press the tofu block to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15 minutes.
While the tofu is being pressed, prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl.
Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces.
Place the tofu cubes into the marinade and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. If possible, marinate for longer to enhance flavor.
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat and lightly oil with vegetable oil.
Slide tofu cubes and scallion pieces onto the skewers, alternating them.
Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and heated through.
Brush the skewers with the remaining marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
Once done, remove yakitori from the grill and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Serve hot as an appetizer or as a main dish with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1863 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.1 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 3980 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 98.3 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.7 g | ||
| Protein | 148.0 g | 296% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1566 mg | 120% | |
| Iron | 20.6 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 2051 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
