Yakitori Chicken
Treat your taste buds to the irresistible flavors of Yakitori Chicken, a beloved Japanese street food that’s bursting with umami goodness. Tender, bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken thighs and vibrant spring onions are skewered and grilled to juicy perfection, while being generously basted with a rich, homemade tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, and ginger. The subtle caramelization from the grill enhances the savory-sweet glaze, creating a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice for a satisfying main dish, this quick and easy Yakitori recipe brings authentic Japanese cuisine straight to your table. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or simply craving bold Asian flavors, Yakitori Chicken is sure to impress. Key features include simple ingredients, a versatile tare sauce, and the use of bamboo skewers for that classic presentation. It's a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that you'll come back to time and time again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken thighs
- 6 whole spring onions
- 120 ml soy sauce
- 120 ml mirin
- 60 ml sake
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 12 bamboo skewers
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small saucepan. Slice the garlic and ginger thinly and add them to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.
Cut the spring onions into 1-inch pieces, using both the white and green parts.
Take a soaked skewer, and thread chicken and spring onion alternately, starting and ending with chicken pieces. Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Lightly sprinkle the skewered chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, basting with the prepared sauce frequently. Rotate and baste until the chicken is cooked through and evenly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes in total.
Remove the skewers from the grill and give them a final brush with the sauce before serving.
Serve the yakitori immediately as a delightful appetizer or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
380 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.0 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 131 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1298 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 35.9 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 492 mg | 10% | |
*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.
